Here's how you can turn workplace failure into a valuable learning experience.

As a career counselor who focuses on work-related trauma, I've seen firsthand how individuals often internalize workplace setbacks as personal failures. In reality, 9 times out of 10, these failures occur at the systemic level rather than at a personal level. Many challenges stem from external factors such as unrealistic expectations or workloads, inadequate resources, and leadership that is out of touch. By recognizing these systemic issues, we can shift our perspective, take an appropriate level of personal responsibility for the situation, and let go of the rest. This approach fosters resilience and helps individuals understand that their worth and capabilities are not defined by these setbacks.

One thing I’d like to mention here, is that what you think of failure might not be so. But the setback caused could be deep and painful at times, and it might be difficult to confront the situation. Denial, grief, hurt, resentment or shock might show up first and acknowledging your feelings (first) could be the first step to healing. Unless you can acknowledge what it is “for you” and give yourself the time (however long) to let it pass, you can’t really confront the situation or move on. Breathe and allow yourself to pause, so that reflection can find the space to step in! Find a friend you trust or a good coach to talk to and process the underlying feelings. Trust it will change.

Failure is valuable data. Think of it as a map showing the paths that didn’t lead to success. By analyzing these missteps, you gain crucial insights into what didn’t work, which in turn, gives rise to potential new directions. Just as a scientist uses failed experiments to refine their hypotheses, you can use failure to make more informed and strategic decisions moving forward. Turning workplace failure into a learning experience not only helps you grow but also strengthens your ability to navigate future challenges.

Jamais facile de vivre des moments difficiles, surtout dans le milieu pro. où on peut se sentir jugé sur nos compétence. Je conseille à mes clients de prendre du recul pour évaluer les faits sans se laisser submerger par les émotions. D'Identifier les facteurs internes et externes qui ont contribué à l’expérience, je n'aime pas le mot échec. Qu'en pensez-vous ?

Yes, lessons learnt meetings are invaluable. Before, rushing into the next project take time as a team to look at how things might improve for next time. Failings are lessons and opportunities for growth. To make the most of these reflection meetings, leave judgement at the door.

I don’t really believe in feedback as much as open conversations and questions that will lead one to self reflection and realization of what’s working and what’s not. Feedback makes people defensive and they don’t really hear what you’re saying. Plus, if the person giving feedback is not skilled enough to articulate their words well, then it’s easy for the receiver to go into wronging themselves.

Les réponses d'autrui peuvent être mal perçues et baisser votre estime de vous, je vous propose d'imaginer être face à vous et à vous auto demander des commentaires, sans vous juger sévèrement. Par exemple, demandez-vous de que vous auriez pu faire différemment ? Et pour la suite de quelles compétences ou connaissances vous pouvez acquérir pour faire mieux la prochaine fois et atteindre vos objectifs voulus. Qu'en pensez-vous ?

If it’s someone else telling you what you should do or improve about you, I’d say, check again. Do you resonate with it? Not all of what someone else tells you (about you) is correct. It’s just their perspective. However once you realise there’s something YOU WOULD like to be better and greater at, could there be any stopping you from acquiring that skill? The motivation and drive to add a skill-set or learn more comes from self realization and acknowledgement of your own brilliance, not from judgements.

Once you’ve allowed yourself time to process your feelings and acknowledged what you’d like to add to your life (from your own knowing), the word failure loses its significance.

Get yourself back up. Dust yourself down. You have learnt an important lesson. Embracing mistakes and "failures" are truly part of a growth rather than a fixed mindset. Failing forward is the way to go so reframe errors, mistakes and failings from a negative experience to a positive one.

Setbacks are inevitable, but they don't have to define your journey. Whether it's a missed promotion, a failed business venture, or simply feeling stuck in a rut, the key is to use that experience as fuel to propel you forward. Don't let one roadblock erode your confidence or self-worth. Instead, view it as an opportunity to reassess, recalibrate, and come back stronger than ever. Set new goals, armed with the wisdom and resilience you've gained. Remember, every successful person you admire has faced failure at some point – what sets them apart is their determination to learn from it and press on with unwavering resolve. Embrace that mindset, and watch as setbacks transform into stepping stones towards your dreams.

Now after processing and reflecting, if it’s ok with your heart, body and being, failure only seems to be a set of learning experiences that taught you something. It wouldn’t hurt as much. But if it still brings up something for you and you find it difficult to move on, please don’t push yourself. This is important. Take the time you need to feel ok and healed, before you push yourself any further. Trust that this too, shall pass.