What do you do if your client faces a major career setback?

As a coach, the first question that comes to me is "By whose definition was the set back major?", does my client really look at it as a major set back, or did we arrive here based on certain conscious choices made. Some of the steps we could consider are: 1. Analyzing the current situation, its impact and consequences. 2. Exploring the future state- some questions that can help are- where do we go from here? What strengths and talents will help me get there? 3. Figuring out the path to the goal: What can come in the way? What and how can I use learnings form the current experience? What are something that need to be addressed. This could be a session to re-access the goal and course correct accordingly.

Here's a roadmap to navigate through the challenge: 1️⃣ Acknowledge the situation and face reality head-on. Understanding its origins is important to formulating a plan forward. 2️⃣ Embrace a restart mindset. Going back to basics can provide clarity and a solid foundation for rebuilding. 3️⃣ Focus on regaining self-confidence. Seek support from others, be open to learning, and leverage your strengths. 4️⃣ Stay humble throughout the process. Recognize that setbacks are a natural part of the journey, and use them as opportunities for growth. Together, let's navigate through setbacks with resilience and determination!

In a setback, the first step is a yuge, I mean, bigly one: assess the impact—gotta know what you’re dealing with. It’s not just about what went south. Think gold—what’s valuable that’s left? Then, get that Trump-level confidence in play; show them how to spin straw into gold. Always remember, setbacks are setups for comebacks, the greatest comebacks, believe me. Set goals, be strategic, it’s winning!

Assessing the impact of a career setback involves objectively evaluating the situation to understand its implications and potential opportunities. Encourage the client to analyze what was lost, what remains, and new avenues that could be explored. This process helps in identifying lessons learned, gaining clarity on the current state, and planning future steps effectively. It shifts the focus from dwelling on the negative to proactive problem-solving and growth.

This is a two way street. Understanding the perceived setback context, facts and so forth as well as validating how the person is feeling, and experiencing, the setback. It's not about what the coach thinks here, it's about where the client is. Perspective will come, and it's not a race to get there. So during this phase, the coach is understanding where the client is, and the client is understanding what their impact is.

An executive coach helps clients facing career setbacks by providing emotional support, strategic planning, and practical guidance. They listen, empathize, and validate emotions, then help assess the situation objectively. Through strategic planning, clients identify areas for improvement, set realistic goals, and explore new career paths. Practical support in the form of resume refinement and networking strategies empowers clients to rebuild their careers and reach new heights.

I would start with some gentle curiosity to understand the situation and it's impact. What makes it feel like a setback? What still remains that they feel positive about? The aim is to try and get to a more objective, less emotional view of what's happened. Then before starting to think about moving forward, I would give the client the space to explore their feelings around what has happened, rather than pushing forward into solution-mode.

The first step is to recognize the circumstances and accept them; face reality. The next step is to take responsibility for overcoming challenges based on the things that are under one's control. It's important to note that a moment in one's life does not define who we are. Hence not surrender and take the opportunity to keep going.

Assess the impact: will things worsen if you take a couple of days to recoup and recover? If not, then encourage your client to be kind to themself. If there's a chance things may get worse, then preventing a snowball is your first priority. If it is as bad as it is going to get, take a breath. Clarity takes time and emotional distance. A break is not only important for distance and recovery; if resolving this issue requires concerted effort, this may be the last opportunity for a while that they can take a break. Get things back to a steady state, take a break, and start the autopsy.

The emotional support is key - whatever the setback is, they will likely be feeling frustration, disappointment etc. Coaching is the perfect opportunity for the client to discuss this - confidentially and without judgement.

Beyond showing empathy, normalizing that recovery from a career setback will likely be challenging allows people to process naturally. Often people put a lot of “shoulds” on themselves in these situations. As in, “I should be fine. Get over it and move on.” This goes a bit outside the realm of purist coaching, but it’s helpful to assure them that there are no “shoulds” here. Share what you, as a coach, have observed in others, obviously maintaining confidentiality. Healthy rebounding requires accepting and processing, and might involve more time and emotions than one would want. But knowing that’s part of the deal can help someone to pace themselves and show self-compassion as they recover from a setback.

Providing emotional support is crucial when a client faces a career setback. Actively listen and validate their feelings, offering empathy and understanding. Help them process emotions such as frustration and disappointment, and encourage a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth. Emotional support fosters resilience, enabling the client to approach their situation with confidence and a positive outlook, essential for navigating the recovery process effectively.

Change happens to us, disruption happens within us. Your client is experiencing a range of emotions that they need to process in order to assess what their next step will be. A great model or framework that I like to use is the Kubler-Ross model which helps us make sense of the emotions at play when faced with a loss, as in this case career setback. The five emotional stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Not everyone feels these emotions in the same order or in the same intensity, even not the same duration. But guiding your client through these emotions can help them process and release their negative emotions, and embrace new possibilities for the future.

We judge the past version of ourselves for the choices we made when we didn't have access to the information we know now. If you see this in your client, could you remind them where they made the best choice based on the best available information? We can be our worst critics, so emotional support means helping them heal and stop re-opening old wounds.

Imagine your client, Thalia, recently missed out on a promotion . Instead of seeing this as a setback, you encourage her to view it as a plot twist in her career journey. You delve into Thalia strengths and interests, uncovering hidden talents and untapped potential. With your guidance, Thalia reframes her perspective, seeing the missed promotion not as a failure, but as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. She begins to explore alternative career paths, considering options she had never before imagined. As Thalia finds herself energized and excited about the possibilities ahead, she develops a plan to leverage her skills and experiences in new and innovative ways, greater success and fulfillment in her career.

Define their worth. Career is only one dimension of identity. An individual's worth comes from far more than just what they do for a living. But when they've invested time and energy into a career it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. This is especially true in the face of a setback. There are two questions I like to ask to get this conversation started: What are you letting this situation mean about you? Who are you? Who are you really? The answers to these to questions serve to broaden perspective and as a reality check on what this setback really means about your self-worth (which is inherent, even when it doesn't feel like it).

Experiencing a career setback quite likely doesn't come out of nowhere. We humans tend to "hang in there" when the first signs of a reorg approach, hoping for/working for/positioning for ... something that ultimately is not in their control. We don't own the decisions that others own and are accountable for. So what Can you own? How might you - even while in a very comfortable, successful career phase - show up for yourself? No career phase will be peaking forever. Executive coaching is a proven investment into you habituating to own whatever is meaningful to you ...

Once you have helped your clients process and release their negative emotions, now they have gained clarity and with this mindset - the reframing is more effective and objective. The risk of emotions clouding their judgement and what is possible for next steps is reduced.

Just like an arrow has to be pulled back in order to gain momentum and fly straight - as do careers some times... a "career setback" can also be looked at as a way to rebuild a strong foundation. I have had clients who've gone from manager roles back to an individual contributor -- and originally felt it was a demotion -- but it was actually meant to deepen their knowledge of being a subject matter expert and make a stronger foundation.

I actual find that reframing can be useful at different stages - not just in the sequence from this article. When a client faces a setback, I think it is helpful to understand what makes it a setback. Since it's "just work", how is this particular set of circumstances a "setback". Although it can be difficult, I think sometimes it's the persons attitudes, beliefs and identity that may be worth examining. Completing the analysis on the premise that is an actual setback may reinforce these beliefs, which may prove unhelpful in the overall objective of progression.

Reframing perspective involves helping clients see their career setback as a catalyst for growth rather than a defeat. Encourage them to identify lessons learned and potential opportunities that arise from the situation. This cognitive shift can transform their outlook, promoting resilience and opening up new pathways for personal and professional development. By adopting a positive, proactive stance, clients are better equipped to tackle future challenges and make strategic decisions moving forward.

The reframe is one of the most important aspects for my CEO clients. Their belief initially is that they have much more to lose, especially if they have been "let go" from their position in the company. Helping them see this as a gift and that they have all they need to move forward is the start of the reframe. I have been working with a CEO and he now has a much more fulfilling role and one that is more in line with his values. So initially, it can be perceived as the worst thing that happens, to it's a chance to find a new role that will fulfil and energise me.

This step is imperative. When setbacks happen, one of two things occur: 1. We judge ourselves incredibly harshly - effectively obstructing any future growth. 2. Blame others for our situation - essentially placing our fate in the hands of other people (disempowerment). Neither of these are productive. Reframing the situation for momentum and with growth in mind, is essential.

Career setbacks can be devastating for some executives while other leaders quickly bounce back. As a coach, being there for your client is key. Serve as a sounding board to help them explore options and evaluate various scenarios. Hold them accountable to their goals, even when emotions are high or they are feeling wounded. This will help them productively work through the emotions, articulate how those goals should change, and focus on a wider range of possibilities and practical solutions.

Assessing various paths and opportunities that align with the client's skills, interests, and long-term goals. Encourage the client to consider different industries, roles, or even further education and training. Open discussions about potential shifts or advancements within their current field or entirely new directions. This broad exploration helps identify viable paths forward, ensuring the client feels empowered and informed to make strategic decisions about their career trajectory.

Discover actionable steps to help your clients navigate major career setbacks with resilience and determination. Conduct a thorough assessment of the setback, including the causes and potential impact on the client's career goals. Understanding the situation is critical to developing an effective action plan. Collaborate with the client to create a detailed action plan that includes short-term and long-term goals. Focus on building skills, networking & exploring new opportunities. By taking proactive steps and maintaining a positive attitude, your client can overcome career setbacks and emerge more vital than ever. Your guidance and support are crucial in helping them navigate this challenging phase and achieve their career aspirations.

When developing an action plan, I always recommend to start with the end in mind. Have your clients visualise and feel their desired outcomes. How does it feel like? What does it look like? What are they doing and what is the impact? Than they can go backwards in 1 -3 months to understand what steps they need to take in order to achieve their milestones towards their desired outcome. This reverse engineering approach helps your client have a clear understanding, and be guided by their vision and desired outcome - not by their challenges and obstacles.

Developing an action plan is crucial for moving forward. This plan should include specific, achievable steps tailored to the client's career goals and the options they've explored. Break down the plan into short-term objectives and long-term goals, with clear milestones for measuring progress. Incorporate strategies for skill enhancement, networking, and job search activities. An effective action plan provides structure and focus, helping the client to navigate their recovery with purpose and clarity.

As a coach or consultant, below is an action plan to guide your client toward recovery and future success: 1. Encourage them to talk openly about their experience. 2. Ask questions that encourage them to reflect on the reasons behind the setback. Was it due to organizational changes, performance issues, or external factors? 3. With a fresh perspective, set goals which is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). 4. Create a Career Development Plan which should include short-term and long-term goals with professional development opportunities & networking events. 5. Encourage your client to connect with mentors, industry peers, and career coaches. 6. Remind your client to stay positive and persistent.

Even though many people don't like to network, it can be a professional and emotional life raft when you have a career setback. Early in my career, I was told that when you have a career or job setback, instead of not telling people because you are embarrassed, you need to tell as many people as possible you are open to new opportunities. They might not have something for you, but they may know someone who is looking for someone with your exact skills. This is the time to push yourself out of your comfort zone and take control of the situation.

I am a member of the Financial Executive Networking Group (FENG) which has a saying that “When you are working, you are between job searches.” Therefore it is important to network while working to make it easier in the event of a job crisis.

Encourage the client to actively engage with their existing contacts and expand their network by connecting with industry peers, joining professional groups, and attending relevant events. Networking can uncover hidden job opportunities, provide valuable insights, and offer support and advice. It also opens the door to mentorships and collaborations that can accelerate career progression. Effective networking empowers the client to access resources and opportunities essential for their comeback.

Asking your clients "What are you tolerating now"? is a powerful question and leads to actions and insights for them. I often find my CEO clients are deeply unhappy where they are and we explore whether they want to improve their mindset in their current role or "play" and explore a new opening for them. It is amazing what is achieved when the blinkers come off

Follow up is key in my experience, but it's not just about reframing perspective. Help your client confront reality and find the strength to move forward. Encourage them to identify lessons learned & opportunities for growth, but don't sugarcoat the challenge. Validate their emotions. A career setback is a defining moment. It's a test of character, resilience, & determination. It's an opportunity to prove what they're made of. Help your client create an action plan. Break down goals into steps. Connect them with resources. Hold them accountable. Your role is to equip them to face adversity. Help them find courage to take risks, humility to learn from failures, & perseverance to keep pushing.

When an executive is facing what they perceive as a major career setback, the first thing I work with them on is getting present and addressing the feelings and beliefs that are coming up for them. Exploring where their definition of success comes from and if the journey they were on aligns with the life they really want to live and the impact they want to make. We work to get clear on the leader they want to be and what's important to them to experience a meaningful career. Then we work through lessons learned and what can be applied moving forward. Resetting to a new north star and then working on a plan for a new path.