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Writer's pictureJosiah Pledl

Turn "Why Me?" into "Try Me": How You Overcome Career Setbacks as a Leader.

Updated: May 31

 Ever felt that stomach knot when things go wrong at work? You might think, "Why me?" Anyone in a leadership role has felt this. But guess what? This is your chance to grow and do something great. You are the leader people need.



Embrace Reality

First, you need to accept what happened. It's real. Leadership requires you to put yourself out there. But it doesn't mean you're stuck.


→ Look at the situation: Understand what went wrong without getting upset.


→ Acknowledge factors: Some things are out of your hands, but there’s always something you can do better next time.


→ Stay grounded: Accepting reality helps you move forward constructively.


Embracing reality allows you to see setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.



Seek Feedback

Feedback is like a map when you're lost.


→ Talk to advisors: Seek advice from colleagues, your boss, or even those who disagree with you.


→ Listen actively: It might be tough to hear, but it’s super helpful.


→ Apply insights: Use feedback to enhance your work and grow as a leader.


Seeking feedback helps you understand different perspectives and improve your performance.



Adjust Goals

Sometimes, you need to change your plans.


→ Reevaluate goals: Determine if your goals are still relevant after the setback.


→ Set new objectives: Consider setting new, even bigger goals.


→ Take small steps: Break down your goals into manageable tasks.


Adjusting goals keeps you flexible and ready to adapt to new challenges.



Develop Skills

Every tough time teaches you something.


→ Identify learning opportunities: Find out what skills you need to improve.


→ Pursue growth: Read books, take a class, or hire a leadership coach.


→ Practice consistently: Apply new skills at work to master them.


Developing skills ensures continuous improvement and better performance.



Build Networks

Friends help a lot when things get tough.


→ Maintain connections: Keep in touch with your work friends and make new ones.


→ Seek support: They can give you great advice and help you find new opportunities.


→ Expand your network: More friends mean more ideas and chances to get better.


Building networks enhances your support system and opens up new possibilities.



Stay Positive

Try to stay happy. Don’t just think about what went wrong.


→ Focus on positives: Remember what's going well too.


→ Document successes: Write down good things that happen and compliments you receive.


→ Surround yourself with positivity: Hang out with people who make you feel good and keep you thinking positively.


Staying positive helps you maintain motivation and resilience.



Setbacks at work are tough but not the end. You can make them into chances to shine. Say "Try me!" instead of "Why me?" and show everyone how you can bounce back and do amazing things.


Stay strong, learn from what happens, and keep getting better. You’ve got this. If you want to chat more about turning setbacks into great comebacks, let's talk. Your next big step is just around the corner!


Let's go. Have a day today.


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