We’ve all faced setbacks—some were frustrating, others downright humiliating. But instead of retreating and hoping no one notices (they will), the key is to get into action. Failure isn’t a dead end; it’s a detour that redirects you toward better results.
6 Steps to Regain Focus and Drive Success
- Reflect with Purpose. Complete the What Worked? / What Didn’t Work? exercise individually, then bring your team together to share insights. This ensures learning, not blame.
- Extract Lessons & Adjust. Ask: What did we learn? What can we do differently? Example: If you went over budget, assign clear financial oversight next time. Remember, the key is to tell the truth.
- Acknowledge Contributions. Go around the virtual table and recognize each person’s successes. Failure doesn’t erase progress—celebrate what worked and what was learned!
- Engage in Honest Conversations. If the failure impacted customers or employees, address it directly. No excuses—just listen, learn, and align on next steps.
- Prioritize Alignment Over Consensus. Waiting for full agreement as to what to do next is a fool’s game. Get alignment, make decisions, and move forward. Momentum matters.
- Take Action—Now Stop searching for an escape route. Action builds resilience and dissolves resistance. The sooner you move, the faster you recover.
Failure isn’t the end—it’s a pivot point. The faster you embrace it, the stronger your leadership becomes.
©Jeannette Seibly 2025 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.