It’s going to happen so you might as well plan for it and be prepared. No matter how well-thought out a plan is, you’re going to encounter a hiccup along the way. Setbacks can delay you or they can completely stop you in your tracks. There’s nothing more discouraging than putting a ton of effort into something and then have to watch the efforts of you and your team unravel into a pile of unaccomplished goals.
It becomes really important in these moments to know what you’re going to do next. Of course, you can still give yourself time to be angry, sad, disappointed etc. But, what do you do next? How can you make sure that this event won’t lead to you and your team getting stuck or defeated? And, how do you get re-motivated when what’s happened is out of your control?
As a strategic thinker and creative problem solver, it should be no surprise that being organized and planned can keep you in the game even when it feels like your fighting a losing battle.
Here are: 4 Ways to Plan for Setbacks as a Leader Personally and Professionally
1.Know that there are no straight lines on the path to success
Quit comparing your journey to what your colleagues are doing. What works for someone else or someone else’s team may not work for you. You will have moments of soaring success but I guarantee you, for every two or three steps forward in your progress, there’ll be times when you’ll take three or four steps backwards too. When you know to expect this, it won’t impact you or your team morale in the negative way it might have done otherwise. Falling back will just be part of the process and you’ll be able to move forward regardless.
2.Know the different types of setbacks so you’ll know what you need to do
There are three different types of setbacks; lack of motivation, self-sabotage and curve balls. How they will affect you will vary depending on how prepared you are for them. Taking the time to discover how your team functions best will help you decipher what you can control and what you can’t control when a setback happens. If you can control it, then make a list and remind everyone what you’re doing and why. If you can’t control it, make a list of what you can’t control and change focus on what’s left on the list that you can control. Make a new strategic plan and implement immediate action.
3.Make a contract with yourself that if you get knocked down, you’ll get back up
It’s time to get honest with yourself. If you have a goal and it’s important to you to see it through to the end, then make a contract with yourself to do it no matter what. Make a pledge and create a list of declarations that you can recite when you’re feeling challenged that will remind you of your commitment. Find support and additional resources if you need to but don’t let yourself or your team down by not keeping your word.
4.Build a “Tool Box” filled with strategies, resources and inspiration
Plan to win this battle if it comes to one. A tool box can help you to answer the question, “How do I get there from here”. With the proper preparation, you’ll be able to manage any resistance and obstacles that threaten your success. Be sure to review your team objectives to ensure that you are still aligned with the bigger picture. If you need additional support, seek it out from other colleagues and team members.
You’ve heard the phrase “Be Prepared”. Well, be prepared! If what you’re trying to accomplish is worth it, plan ahead and know what steps you’re going to take so you don’t become immovable in those moments when it would be much easier to quit than continue. There isn’t one successful leader who hasn’t had setbacks. How you deal with these setbacks and find the courage to move forward anyway is what separates you from everyone else who is simply content with the illusion that success will someday be theirs to celebrate.