How to Bounce Back from a Failed Project
Posted June 13th, 2016
Any team that hopes to be innovative, exciting, and effective will need to take risks. And risk always creates the potential for failure. The important thing is not to avoid failure entirely, but rather to turn it into a positive outcome. Use these strategies the next time you and your collaborators come up short.
Take Control of Your Feelings
In the wake of a failed project, it’s easy to grow frustrated and despondent, to question your true abilities, and to internalize lasting doubts about your career choices and professional path. This reaction is natural, but it’s not required. Instead of viewing the failure as a serious let down, acknowledge the fact that the situation is temporary, the consequences are probably less severe than you admit, and numerous opportunities for learning and growth have presented themselves. As tricky as it can be, you do have control over your thought process. Angle it toward the positives.
Analyze What Went Wrong
If you’re going to learn from your failures, you need to truly understand them. Take some time to reflect back on the project from beginning to end. Figure out exactly what role you played, what role your collaborators played, and when/where/how the project went off the rails. The goal here is to avoid repeating your mistakes. That might mean conducting the project in a different way, or concluding that your goals are unattainable and focusing your efforts elsewhere.
Be Open and Honest
This is not the time for quiet reflection. As you review the failed project, be sure to communicate your insights with your collaborators and your project manager. You can also involve mentors, industry contacts, and even family in this process. The goal is to keep everyone informed and involved and to get as many perspectives on what went right/wrong as possible. Having an open, honest, ongoing dialogue is the only way to avoid future mistakes.
Take the Right Next Step
Your performance on the next project is extremely important. Another failure can be psychologically damaging and deal a significant blow to your career. A surprise success, by contrast, can revive your confidence and bolster your professional reputation. Using the insights you’ve gained in the previous three steps, figure out exactly what you will do and do differently the next time around. Then make those changes one of your primary areas of focus during your second attempt.
The best talent in the world is not immune to failure, but they are undeterred by it. Learn more about turning setbacks into assets by contacting Bayside Solutions.
