What do you do if your career is at a standstill after a major failure?

Experiencing a major setback in your career can feel like hitting a brick wall. Suddenly, the momentum you've built comes to a grinding halt, and the future looks uncertain. It's a tough spot to be in, but it's not the end of the road. In the spirit of servant leadership, which emphasizes the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong, you can navigate through this standstill with grace and resilience. By taking strategic steps to reassess, rebuild, and reengage with your career path, you can turn a significant failure into a valuable learning experience that propels you forward.

1 Embrace Failure

When your career hits a snag due to a failure, the first step is to embrace it. This doesn't mean you have to like it, but accepting the situation helps you move beyond denial and into a solution-focused mindset. Understand that failure is a natural part of growth. Reflect on what went wrong and why, without harsh self-judgment. Servant leadership teaches that setbacks are opportunities to serve your own development. By doing so, you'll gain insights that are crucial for your next move.

Add your perspective

Bezalel Justus

I Execute Complex IT Change Management Strategies to Minimize Risk | Senior DevOps Leader | ITIL®4 Strategic Leader in Digital & IT Strategy | Enterprise Risk Champion - ISO31K | Lead Auditor (ISMS 27001 & PIMS 27701)
Report contribution
Embracing failures when the career is in stand still is one of the toughest situation in life. But whoever going through that face must understand that is not the dead end or road block in life. Historically, people who underwent such situations had turned the world upside down through their resiliency and bounce back. When such situations arises set aside couple of days for a time of solitude to have life transforming communication with the creator God to understand your life unique purpose, vision and direction. After receiving the internal clarity embrace failure and seek help from others for next steps.

Like

2 Seek Feedback

Once you've come to terms with the failure, seek constructive feedback. This can be from mentors, peers, or even the situation that led to the standstill. Approach this process with humility and openness, key traits of servant leadership. Listen actively and consider the perspectives offered. This feedback is invaluable; it provides an external view of your performance and can highlight areas for improvement that you might have missed.

Add your perspective

Bezalel Justus

I Execute Complex IT Change Management Strategies to Minimize Risk | Senior DevOps Leader | ITIL®4 Strategic Leader in Digital & IT Strategy | Enterprise Risk Champion - ISO31K | Lead Auditor (ISMS 27001 & PIMS 27701)
Report contribution
After embracing failures, seeking feedback plays a significant role in deciding the future steps and direction. To know where you failed, First Go to your creator God. Then, go through the process of 360 degree feedback through various ways 1. Self Assessment Feedback 2. Feedback from your accountability partners. 3. Feedback from team members and colleagues from other departments. 4. Feedback from supervisors, managers and leaders. 5. Peers Feedback 6. Feedback from mentors and coaches. The above 360 degree feedback will help you to assess where you are and to focus next steps.

Like

3 Adjust Goals

After processing feedback, it's time to adjust your career goals accordingly. Sometimes a major failure indicates that your previous goals may no longer align with your skills or the market. Take this as a chance to recalibrate and set new, realistic objectives. Servant leaders prioritize adaptability and are always ready to serve the greater good, even if it means changing course. This step ensures that your goals remain relevant and attainable.

Add your perspective

4 Develop Skills

Skill development is crucial after a failure. Identify the competencies that need strengthening and take action to improve them. Whether it's through formal education, online courses, or hands-on experience, enhancing your skill set will make you more valuable and confident. Remember, servant leadership is about growing as a leader and helping others grow; by improving yourself, you're also better equipped to contribute positively to your team and organization.

Add your perspective

Bezalel Justus

I Execute Complex IT Change Management Strategies to Minimize Risk | Senior DevOps Leader | ITIL®4 Strategic Leader in Digital & IT Strategy | Enterprise Risk Champion - ISO31K | Lead Auditor (ISMS 27001 & PIMS 27701)
Report contribution
Below are the wisdom by Dr. Myles Munroe from the life of Jesus Christ to discover, release, and maximize your true ability. Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might unto the Lord. One of the greatest tragedy in life is to watch potential die untapped. A greatest tragedy is to watch potential live unreleased. Man is like an onion. His potential is exposed one layer at a time until all he is, is known by all. Retirement is never a concept in the minds of World changers. Understand the following principles: 1. The principle of your capacity. 2.The principle of comparison with others. 3.The principle of experience. Experience does not cancel capacity. Crises are life's wake-up calls.

Like

5 Rebuild Confidence

Rebuilding your confidence is essential for moving past a career standstill. Start by celebrating small victories and recognizing your strengths. Engage in activities that reinforce your self-worth and remind you of past successes. A servant leader knows their value and can instill confidence in others. By regaining your self-assurance, you'll be more effective in your role and inspire those around you.

Add your perspective

Bezalel Justus

I Execute Complex IT Change Management Strategies to Minimize Risk | Senior DevOps Leader | ITIL®4 Strategic Leader in Digital & IT Strategy | Enterprise Risk Champion - ISO31K | Lead Auditor (ISMS 27001 & PIMS 27701)
Report contribution
Unshakable faith on a person's life purpose, vision and potential will increase the confidence multifold. The steps to have unshakable confidence 1. Know your Source ie GOD 2. Understand your Function 3. Understand your Purpose 4. Know your Resources 5. Maintain the right Environment 6. Work out your Potential 7. Stay away from the enemies of potential - Sin, Disobedience, Fear, Discouragement, Procrastination, Past Failures, The Opinions of Others, Distractions, Traditions.

Like

6 Network Actively

Finally, active networking can help you overcome a career plateau. Connect with professionals in your field, attend industry events, and participate in relevant forums. Networking isn't just about finding new opportunities; it's also about learning from others' experiences and gaining support. As a servant leader, focus on how you can help others while building relationships. Often, the act of giving leads to new paths and possibilities for your career.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What do you do if your career is at a standstill after a major failure?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Embrace Failure

2 Seek Feedback

3 Adjust Goals

4 Develop Skills

5 Rebuild Confidence

6 Network Actively

7 Here’s what else to consider

Servant Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Servant Leadership

More relevant reading

What do you do if your career is at a standstill after a major failure?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Embrace Failure

2 Seek Feedback

3 Adjust Goals

4 Develop Skills

5 Rebuild Confidence

6 Network Actively

7 Here’s what else to consider

Servant Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills