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Recovering from failure
Hi there! I am looking for support and encouragement. I work in consulting and I have been working on a challenging project. I joined the project as the project manager, a role I hadn't held before, and have felt way over my head since the beginning. I've tried many different things to get better at the job and to learn the skills I needed quickly. As soon as I learned something new, a different challenge popped up. I couldn't keep up. After trying different things to improve and seeking help from others, I've decided the best thing for the project and myself is to move on from it in favor of them finding a more experienced PM and me finding a project and role where I'm better prepared and equipped. Now my challenge is how to bounce back. All in all, it feels like failure. I made a lot of mistakes and couldn't provide the expertise needed for the job. It hasn't helped that the environment is cutthroat and people have no problem aggressively or passive aggressively expressing their disappointment. This isn't an it's all in my head imposter syndrome situation, this is a I really did fail and here's the proof situation! I'm looking at this as great learning opportunity and I have, in fact, learned a lot. But my confidence is shot. I feel like most career articles dance around failure and focus on success, but I would really like to know -How do you bounce back? How do you work it into your narrative? Am I the only one this has happened to?
Sara CousineauSexuality & Relationship Coach/ Doula
49
01/04/21 at 4:41AM UTC
Thank you for sharing your experience! You are definitely not the only one this has happened to. I think focusing on what you did learn, your strengths that shone through and which areas you want to strengthen moving forward is incredibly helpful. Reflecting on how you navigate challenges can also be insightful. What was it about the situation that made it overwhelming? Were you able to ask for help and state your boundaries/ ask for the things necessary to be successful? Was it a project you were passionate about? Were you in alignment with your team?
This experience can springboard you into finding a next opportunity that inspires and excites you, while at the same time leverages your strengths!
Katrina Purcell
84
12/31/20 at 1:39PM UTC
I think you are already doing the right things, acknowledging it was a failure, it may help your confidence to actually lay out a plan to close the gaps. You mentioned you’ve learned a lot but getting that down on paper will help your brain to really understand and having specific actions to close remaining gaps will also give you something to respond back if it comes up again with coworkers. “I agree it was not my best moment, that’s why I invested in xyz class to ensure I’m up for the next challenge. “ It can be hard to learn in those type of cultures but if you haven’t already read Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck. Best of luck and happy new year!
Lourdes Ramos
19
12/30/20 at 3:15AM UTC
What you describe has happened to most people at one point or another in their career life. Hold your chin up high, be proud of yourself that although not your cup of tea-- you still hanged in there in attempt of succeeding the best you knew how. Take a deep breathe, dust yourself off and move on gracefully knowing at least you tried. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Leah Martinez
24
12/30/20 at 3:39AM UTC
Thank you for your kind words!
