Here's how you can navigate the emotional impact of failure as an executive manager.

When discussing failure and resilience, stories such as Abraham Lincoln's numerous lost elections and the statistic that even the best baseball players fail 70% of the time are intended to teach us a proportional relationship with failure. Then, there are the often-cited concepts of "failing forward," "fail your way to success," & "turn failure into fuel" which tend to lack relevance when we are emotionally triggered. Here are 4 steps to productively move forward from failure: 1) Name your feelings [disappointment, anger, embarrassment?] 2) Rate your feelings on a scale of 1-10. 3) Gauge whether those feelings match the situation. If you find you're projecting past experiences into the present, 4) Recalibrate and respond to current reality.

Executives should have a high emotional intelligence. Being in a position of leading dozens or hundreds or thousands of people comes with emotional complexity. Being responsible for the results of an organization comes with emotional complexity. We succeed, we thrive, we win... And sometimes we fail. But if we have the emotional intelligence to acknowledge the feelings that may come from that, we can seek to remedy those feelings in healthy ways.

It's normal to feel disappointed, frustrated, or sad after a failure. Don't judge yourself for having these emotions. Reflect on the experience to understand what went wrong and what you can learn from it. Talk openly with your team about what happened, and make sure they know you're there for them. Stress the importance of resilience and growth through challenges. Finally, set clear, actionable steps for moving forward. Stay positive and proactive.

All leaders must confront the unavoidable fact of failure. However, failure can serve as a valuable catalyst for professional growth if approached with the right mindset. When we encounter difficulties, our ingrained habits, pride, and sense of competence can be disrupted. Embracing the skills and insights of others to overcome challenges can provide a comprehensive viewpoint enriched by diverse perspectives. This inclusive approach is crucial for successful leadership.

You must consider the broader context of your failure. Take the time to reflect on the lessons it offers and identify the areas for growth. Embrace resilience by focusing on your successes and the progress you’ve made. Maintain a positive mindset by engaging in constructive self-talk. Seek feedback and support from trusted colleagues to gain different perspectives. Make changes based on what you've learned to improve future outcomes. Failure is an integral part of innovation and leadership. It contributes to your professional development and long-term success.

Start building resilience. Acknowledge your emotions and reframe the experience as a learning opportunity. Focus on specific lessons and actionable steps to improve. Seek feedback and support from executive coaches, mentors, or peers to gain new perspectives. Prioritize self-care, including physical health and mindfulness practices, to maintain emotional balance. Embrace a growth mindset. Failure is an integral part of innovation and progress. Use it to fuel future success.

Start with accepting the failures. Facing the failure is a part of growth and a valuable learning opportunity. Focus on controllable factors, particularly your own actions and reactions. Reflect on what you can improve and how you can adapt moving forward. Share your experiences and insights with your team, fostering a culture of resilience and continuous improvement. By focusing on what you can control and embracing failure as a stepping stone, you strengthen your leadership and inspire those around you to do the same.