Bouncing back from a failed project

As project managers, we understand the weight of responsibility that comes with the role. You pour everything into delivering successful outcomes, carrying the expectations of everyone involved or impacted by the project. Projects are bumpy by nature, and when it all goes wrong, these expectations become a bigger burden as all eyes turn to you to fix them. When it fails, it can feel like you're being blamed for everything.

The impact of this runs deep in the mind of a project manager. You find yourself in a constant loop, replaying the project in your mind, wondering what you could have done differently. You question the decisions you made, doubting yourself despite years of successful deliveries. Your interactions at work become increasingly nerve-wracking as you wonder what others think of you, if your reputation is damaged, and if your next project will feel like a demotion. You feel increasingly unappreciated for all the hard work you put in, feeling like it was all a waste. Venting frustration to friends or colleagues brings some relief but offers you no real solutions.

I understand this pain, not only through my work as a project manager coach but also through my own direct experience. Burying these feelings and ignoring how they impact you emotionally and mentally isn't the answer. Eventually, it will come to the surface and potentially lead to burnout. Recovery takes time.

Getting back on track

A key point project managers forget is that a project failure is rarely one person's mistake, so you aren't to blame. Often many factors contribute to this, such as changing priorities, resource constraints, organisational politics, insufficient budget for the scope, and sometimes just bad timing. But understanding this doesn't make it easier when you feel like you're in the spotlight.

Overcoming these thoughts and feelings requires more than just burying the experience or learning technical lessons. It requires rebuilding your relationship with failure and understanding the value you still delivered. Here are two practical exercises that can help:

1. Keep a project reflection journal

When projects or scenarios within a project overwhelm you, take a moment to reflect:

- What did I do well?

- What would I like to do better next time?

- Going forward, what do I want to do more of or less of?

I've found this practice very helpful in my own journey. Regular journaling helps you acknowledge current feelings while creating the space to figure out what comes next.

2. Sphere of influence

Take a step back and examine your situation through the lens of what you can control, what you can influence, and what you need to accept. Based on Stephen Covey's framework from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this approach helps focus your energy where it matters most. I explore this in depth in my webinar on finding freedom by letting go of what you can't control, and you can find the recording on The Project Manager Coach website.?

Moving forward

You're not alone in facing these struggles, even though it might feel that way. The journey forward isn't about pretending the failure didn't hurt. It's about bouncing back, acknowledging the lessons learned, understanding that these experiences help you grow and don't define your worth as a project manager.

Working with the Project Manager Coach can help you can identify patterns in your reflections, challenge limiting thoughts you might not see yourself, and build sustainable strategies for resilience as a project manager.?

Ready to move forward, bounce back and rebuild your confidence? Book a complimentary 30-minute discovery call with me.