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By Steve Adubato , PhD Freelance Contributor
To be a truly strong leader , you must know how to effectively and graciously deal with loss or rejection . Consider the following tips as to how to “ fail forward ” and have a positive attitude when your efforts come up short : ◾ Don ’ t blame others for a failing outcome . Why ? Because it sounds like sour grapes . No one is inspired or motivated by hearing a leader say that it was someone else ’ s fault as to why things didn ’ t turn out right .
◾ Gather yourself emotionally . Clearly , communicating under such intense circumstances as losing your business , an election or a key client is not easy . Being rejected in any venue is highly emotional . However , even though it is okay to
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shed some tears , it is not okay to completely lose it .
◾ Learn from the situation . Once your immediate disappointment begins to subside , start to put your energy into figuring out how you can take this experience and learn from it . Write down exactly what you will and won ’ t do in the future based on this failure or rejection when faced with a comparable circumstance .
◾ Recognize those around you . Even when you fail , it is essential that team members know how much you appreciate their efforts . It is easy to do this when you win , but in many ways , it is even more important that you communicate your appreciation when things don ’ t turn out so well .
◾ Be humble . If you lose in an election or some sort of competition , it is critical that you genuinely congratulate the winner . Being gracious and dignified is essential in these circumstances . You are not a failure as a person , but rather you have fallen short in this particular situation . You will live to fight another day .
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Persevering through business setbacks .
Steve Adubato , PhD , is the author of five books including , “ Lessons in Leadership .” His sixth book , “ Lessons in Leadership 2.0 : The Tough Stuff ,” will be released in summer 2023 . He is an Emmy ® Award-winning anchor with programs airing on Thirteen / WNET ( PBS ) and NJ PBS . He has also appeared on CNN , NPR and NBC ’ s Today Show . Steve Adubato ' s “ Lessons in Leadership ” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10:00 a . m . on News 12 +. For more information visit www . Stand-Deliver . com
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Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Dilok Klaisataporn |