YBB Newsletter

Failure sucks.

It’s a wonderful feeling to be right, to win that project, to have a stakeholder request no changes to work we have tried our absolute best on.

But of course this isn’t reality. Setbacks, losses and feedback are inevitable.

And fear of it, experiencing it, and growing from it, are all things managers and leaders must learn to navigate, if they are to be both effective, and happy.

Moving on from a failure is easier said than done

Before we jump to lessons and learnings (as I’m always eager to do!), let’s acknowledge that this stuff is hard.

And there’s a valid reason for that.

Our world is outcome-focused vs. growth-focused.

We talk about growth mindset, test & learn, but in reality we are ranked, rated and rewarded based on outcomes. From our education, through our work and digital lives.

Even if we know setbacks are learning moments, it doesn’t erase the emotional gut punch. And that’s normal.

Disappointment, frustration, anger—these feelings need space. If you suppress them, they don’t disappear; they just show up later as burnout or self-doubt.

We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond

That being said, we do need to move on productively from a setback. Beware of staying ‘stuck’ in the negative emotion. If we only do the reactive getting angry (at yourself / others / the system) bit, then we’re missing a valuable opportunity to get back in control of our development.

Setbacks are also opportunities: They show us where we need to grow, where we need to pivot, and what we truly want.

Look to the future and think:

1. What is the new situation I want to move towards? / What is the impact I want to have next time?

2. What do I need to learn so that the future pay off is greater than this is costing me now?

3. If I learnt these new things how would that positively impact other areas of my work and life?

3 things to TRY to get back up again, stronger

1. SET A TIMER: Get the emotion out via talking with someone who gets it or writing down everything you’re feeling unfiltered, but set a limit - don’t stay stuck.

2. REGAIN PERSPECTIVE: Asking yourself “What’s the size of the problem?” limits catastrophising and puts the rational brain back in the driving seat.

3. IDENTIFY YOUR NEXT MOVE: Momentum starts with the smallest of actions. What’s one step you can take this week to regain momentum? Send a follow-up email? Ask for feedback? Try a new tactic?

Want to work with me?

This stuff is hard, really hard to work through alone. If you’re navigating a tough moment and want support in reframing your next steps, let’s chat.: zoe@youburnbright.

I offer consultancy, workshops, 121 and group programmes for agencies, and individuals working client-side or agency-side.

Topics #Management #Leadership #Confidence #PeopleDevelopment #EffectiveCommunication #RelationshipBuilding #Resilience

My next X-agency group programme starts Mid May and is £749pp.

Thank you for reading

If you’ve enjoyed it, let me know. And please share it with a friend or colleague who might need the reminder that setbacks will always be part of growth, but need not define them.