Here's how you can handle your emotions and uphold professionalism following a work failure.

Emotions often tend to run deep when there is too much of "MY S.M.E" involved (My sentiments, myself and my emotions). A good project manager should be able to predict the risks not only at the start of a project but also during the course of the project and make efforts to seek support to overcome them, however if the project does not take off, then remember not all strikes hit a 'home run', not all penalty shots in a game of soccer results in a goal.

"Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones" Even the most resilient professionals feel the sting of failure. But dwelling on disappointment hinders growth. Instead, let's acknowledge and understand these emotions. According to my experience, taking a deep breath and identifying your feelings (frustration? self-doubt?) empowers you to address them constructively and move forward with a clear head. Remember, setbacks are inevitable, but how you respond defines your professional journey.

Following a work failure, it's crucial to engage in self-reflection, acknowledging emotions while also focusing on actionable steps for improvement. Embracing failures as opportunities for growth fosters resilience and professionalism, ultimately leading to greater success in future endeavors.

I agree with the idea that we are part of the failure of a project. If we are not systematically checking the progress of the objectives, we are not able to judge the results. On the other hand, as a leader, everything you do or react to matters. You have to pay attention even to what your facial expressions are conveying.

Affect labeling is an impactful emotion regulation strategy which works by reducing distress and thus, attenuating the emotional experience. This means nothing less than putting emotions into words.

A good project manager should be able to gauge what went wrong themselves the feedback should be sought (and provided) from stakeholders, project teams and suppliers on what could have been done differently.

It is obvious that it is most important to seek feedback when a setback/failure occurs. It is also important to seek feedback when things are going well, when you are succeeding. I find that this prevents a setback. Seeking feedback in positive moments it allows you to clarify expectations, confirm strategy and approach, and keeps you on the right path.

Cultivate a mindset that welcomes feedback, both positive and constructive. Understand that feedback is not a criticism of your worth but an opportunity for growth and improvement. By actively seeking feedback, being open to input, asking specific questions, listening attentively, reflecting on insights, applying feedback, following up, and expressing gratitude, you can leverage feedback effectively to navigate work failures and drive personal and professional development.

While you reflect objectively what went wrong on your part it’s also important to assess and reflect upon the behaviours of other stakeholders who were part of the project and related resultant of failure. It’s very important that impact of failure should not be absorbed by an individual so please make sure you give a piece of your mind to involved stakeholders. This will not only help in lighten your burden of failure but it will also make those stakeholders to think objectively for next project who will otherwise repeat same pattern of behaviour increasing probability of another failed project. P.S - Make sure you have a good choice of words and intent while doing this .

While you reflect it is essential to share your comprehension (of the reflection) with others who were associated with the project. A project manager's reflection (especially a first time project manager) can be heavily swayed emotionally, so gaining diverse perspectives is essential to stay pragmatic.

After acknowledging your feelings and receiving feed back, reflect on the situation. Consider what went wrong, your role in it, and what lessons can be learned. This self-awareness helps in understanding the root cause and prevents similar mistakes in the future.

In addition to seeking feedback, I believe it is extremely important to reflect objectively, and taking accountability. Failures happen, we're human, its inevitable but its respected when you are able to recognize that. Personally, I would outright state where something went wrong, either ask for help, or explain what I plan to do to correct such. This allows my leaders to depend on me, and it builds trust.

Prepare your project report, list what went well and what did not and what could have been done better (based on feedback gathered from others) so that this may be used as a learning by yourself and others moving forward.

Learning is the key to success. It is important to take a feedback and research about the solution which can lead to improvement in the work quality. Which will help to reduce errors in future.

Create a detailed action plan outlining the steps you will take to achieve your improvement goals. Break down the plan into smaller, manageable tasks with deadlines. Include resources, support systems, and accountability measures in your plan. Identify resources such as training programs, workshops, books, online courses, or mentorship opportunities that can help you improve in the identified areas. Seek support from colleagues, mentors, or coaches who can provide guidance and feedback.

Being transparent and honest is key. Share your project report with your stakeholders and team mates for endorsement, this will go a long way in establishing trust.

I initially overworked myself and neglected my personal life, which led to burnout. Realizing this was unsustainable, I started investing time in my things and reconnecting with loved ones. This balance helped me recover emotionally and return to work with fresh perspectives, leading to success in subsequent projects. This taught me that a healthy work-life balance is essential for both personal well-being and professional success.

We're human. Give yourself grace, be patient with yourself. You cannot be your best self if youre neglecting specific aspect that need attention. Recognize where you need some TLC, and give yourself that time unapologetically.

Dealing with emotions & staying professional after a work failure can be tough but it's doable. I start by acknowledging my feelings instead of ignoring them; take few deep breaths to calm down. Talking about it with a trusted peer/ mentor for their support/ perspective. After processing my emotions, I focus on what I can do next; analyze failure to figure out what went wrong helps to learn from it. Setting clear goals for future projects helps. Keeping a positive attitude & seeing failures as learning experiences rather than setbacks has been crucial. Communicating openly with my team about failure & outlining a plan to move forward shows responsibility & resilience. This approach not only keeps me professional but helps me grow both ways.