Bouncebackability
So close and yet so far. Another final, another night without silverware. Gareth and the lads did everything they could last night to bring the trophy home but it wasn’t to be. At LINAR, we’re all immensely proud of the England team’s efforts over the past month.
This week, we’re focusing on how to handle and bounce back from a crushing defeat. Whether it’s a lost case, a failed pitch, or a disappointing client meeting, setbacks are part of the journey. Here are three things to help you reflect, learn, and move forward stronger.
#1. Acknowledge the loss
Shit happens. It’s important to face the reality of a defeat head-on. Denying or downplaying it can hinder your recovery and growth. Take some time to process what happened and how it makes you feel. This is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step in moving forward.
- Reflect: Spend a few quiet moments acknowledging the defeat. Write down your thoughts and feelings. This exercise can help in mentally processing the setback.
- Share: Discuss your experience with trusted colleagues or mentors. Sometimes, external perspectives can provide insights you might have missed and emotional support that can be invaluable.
#2. Analyse the facts
Understanding why you faced a setback is key to avoiding similar issues in the future. Conduct a thorough post-mortem of the situation, focusing on what went wrong and what could have been done differently.
- Seek feedback: speak to colleagues and clients to understand how the outcome could have been different. Ask direct questions about the role you played and if a different approach could have been taken.
- Identify mistakes: List out specific errors or misjudgements. Was there a gap in preparation? Did you miss a critical piece of information?
- Learn and implement: Each mistake is a learning opportunity. Develop a plan to address these gaps. This might involve additional training, seeking advice, or adjusting your strategies.
#3. Bounce back stronger
Now that you’ve acknowledged the loss and analysed the reasons behind it, it’s time to bounce back with a solid plan. Setting clear, achievable goals can help you regain confidence and focus.
- Remain positive: setbacks are a natural part of any professional journey. Stay positive, be persistent, and view each challenge as an opportunity to grow and improve.
- Set SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound goals can guide your recovery. For instance, if you lost a pitch due to lack of preparation, recognize this and factor in more time for the next opportunity.
- Team debrief: Hold a debriefing session with your team. Open communication about what went wrong and how to improve can foster a collaborative and resilient work environment.
