Failing Forward - How to Navigate Bumps in the Road
Lydia Sinclair FREC
Helping practice accountancy professionals further their careers and achieve their dream jobs within the profession
Let’s face it: we’ve all had those moments at work. That heart-stopping feeling when something goes wrong, whether it's a client’s invoice mess-up, a missed deadline, or even those Excel sheets that refuse to sum correctly (seriously, how is that possible?).
But here’s the thing—failure, or “bumps in the road” as we like to call them in polite company, is part of the journey. The question isn’t if you’ll encounter problems; it’s how you handle them. Let’s dig into the art of navigating those tricky situations like the pros we all are.
1. Own it, Don’t Bury It
We all know that one person in the office who avoids any sign of responsibility like it’s the plague. Spoiler alert: it’s not a great look. When something goes pear-shaped, the best first move is to own it. Pretending it never happened or sweeping it under the proverbial rug doesn’t help anyone (least of all you when it reappears six months later in an audit). Address the issue head-on, not with panic but with purpose.
2. Communicate - But Like a Pro
There’s a fine line between venting and having a meltdown. Yes, we’re all human, and yes, sometimes it feels satisfying to let off steam in the staff room about how Steve in payroll has once again lost the plot. But a better move is calm, measured communication. Bring up issues with your team or managers when they arise, but come armed with solutions, not just complaints.
Think: “Hey, I noticed this is happening, and it’s affecting X, Y, and Z. Here’s how we might fix it…” rather than “Why is this still happening!?”
3. Failure as a Chance for Growth
This isn’t the cliché pep talk about “every failure being a learning opportunity” (although it is). Instead, think of failure as a real moment to ask yourself some solid questions:
- Why did this happen?
- What can I change or improve?
- How can I help the team avoid this next time?
There’s no growth without a little discomfort, but you’re not expected to transform overnight either. The key is taking the hit, bouncing back, and moving forward—like a seasoned accountant tackling the toughest tax season.
4. When It’s Time to Speak Up (Without Lashing Out)
We get it - sometimes problems fester for so long that it feels like the only way to address them is to blow up. Here’s where emotional intelligence comes into play. Expressing frustration without burning bridges is crucial. It’s a balancing act of being honest, but also being constructive. Yes, raise the issue, but focus on solutions, not blame. Accountants deal in facts, right? Apply the same logic to your workplace relationships.
5. Make Failure Less Scary for Your Team
Now, if you’re reading this as a manager or business owner, here’s something to keep in mind: failure doesn’t have to be a terrifying experience for your team. In fact, creating a culture where mistakes can be discussed openly—before they turn into full-blown disasters—is key to long-term success.
At ProTalent, we’ve found that having weekly 1-1 sessions between team members and managers helps enormously. These chats are the perfect time to address any issues while they’re still small and celebrate successes along the way. It allows problems to be tackled early, rather than letting them spiral into something bigger. Employees feel heard, and solutions are found before anyone reaches the point of no return. It’s a win-win for everyone.
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If you can implement something similar, you’ll likely notice a huge shift in how your team approaches challenges. It’s all about creating that safe space to discuss problems and grow from them—without fear of judgement.
6. Make Change Happen
Once the problem has been addressed, don’t just sit back and hope for the best. Be part of the change. Whether it’s introducing a new process, suggesting regular check-ins with your team, or offering a better way to manage those complex reconciliations, make sure you’re proactive in finding ways to improve.
If you feel stuck in a role where every issue gets swept away like last month’s receipts, maybe it’s time for a bigger change. Sometimes, the bump in the road is telling you it’s time for a new journey—and as always, at ProTalent, we’re here to help you find the right path!
Managing failure doesn’t have to be an ordeal - just another part of life in the world of accounting. But if the same problems keep cropping up, maybe the solution lies in a change of scenery (and we happen to know a great recruitment consultancy that can help with that). You know where to find us!