Here's how you can turn failure into career growth: strategies and tips.

Approaching the ability to overcome failure or Adversity as a skill that can be learned and developed vs. something we're born with is a mindset shift that I always coach. The concept of AQ (Adversity Quotient) is particularly useful to get this point across. AQ It measures how well you handle setbacks and challenges, enabling you to bounce back stronger. High AQ individuals view failures as learning opportunities rather than roadblocks, fostering resilience and continuous improvement. By maintaining a positive outlook and adapting to changes, they can identify new strategies and solutions, driving personal and professional development.

Here are three reframes I like when reflecting on perceived failures: 1. Different versus good/bad - it's not about what was "good or bad," but what needs to be "different." Remove the negative language to see things more objectively. 2. Agile technique - "keep, stop, and start," - Use this to quickly assess what worked (keep), what didn't (stop), and what to start (start), for optimal performance. 3. Separate yourself from the issue - For example, YOU are not a failure because something went wrong. An experiment may not have yielded the results you expected, but the experiment went sideways. You can even describe the story as if someone else was involved and take yourself out of the narrative. What is different now?

Feedback is always a gift. Seek from trusted people and seek different perspectives. Some people will always be extra gentle and others more direct, but both are helpful and important for different reasons. Ask what others can see as strengths and where you may have room to continue strengthening something. Reframe "opportunities or lacks," as things you need to strengthen or places you could use more experience. If you have never done calculus, it's not because you suck at calculus, it's because you have never done it. You lack experience, not smarts. It's a simple vernacular shift, but sometimes that's all we need to reframe an experience. Your trusted advisors can help you see both areas where we are likely to encounter blind spots

We may not always receive constructive feedback. Sometimes, we face unsolicited critical feedback. At such times, it helps to remain objective and focus on what is said, not how it's conveyed. This approach enhances our ability to gain insights from a bitter conversation. Maintaining objectivity separates the feedback's substance from its delivery method. By evaluating the core message objectively, we can identify potential wisdom beneath harsh critiques. Focusing on substance over delivery fosters resilience and turns difficult interactions into opportunities for growth.

I like the STAR (Situation - Task - Action - Result) model for setting goals after something doesn't go as expected. It's a nice way to review an experience. Then, using hindsight you can debrief on what could have gone differently or how you would adapt in the future. After debriefing the situation, then you can look at setting SMART goals, incorporating what you have learned through feedback and reflection. Take any lessons learned into setting the new goals and ensuring they are in alignment with the outcomes you're trying to achieve.

Sentirse caer es durísimo. Nos hace sentir menos o derrotado, considero que lo primero es revisar la oportunidad de aprendizaje. Se aprende muchísimo más de los errores. Ahora, un siguiente paso es un plan de acción... Esto nos puede tardar dependiendo de varios factores tanto internos como externos, lo económico, el ego entre otros. Pero algo que sinceramente aporta es volver a tener una meta clara y volver a construir tareas, acciones peque?as que los lleven a ese nuevo resultado. Confía en la disciplina pues motivación puede fallar en esos momentos.

Un excelente apoyo es un buen mentor, soporte de base que te haga sentir que no estas solo. Si es posible una red de apoyo muchísimo mejor, un soporte de networking positivo ha brindado excelentes resultados.

It is important not to label it as a "failure". Your career growth is never going to be uniform, there will be ups and downs, just like everything in life. So, first accept that this will inevitably happen. Secondly, learn from this setback and use it as a stepping stone to move forward. Thirdly, this "failure" will never define your career.

Understanding that our failures are not an extension of who we are is key. If we understand this it is easier to share our experiences authentically and allow our entire team to profit from the experience. Not to mention that this type of vulnerability encourages a culture of trust.

Failure is part of the journey, and it will occur more often when you are crossing new paths. So, be generous with yourself and dedicate time for debriefing and learning. That is the only way to keep driving growth.