Last updated on Apr 3, 2024

You're in senior stakeholder management. How can you use failure to grow and develop in your career?

Failure is inevitable in any complex and dynamic project, especially when you have to manage multiple senior stakeholders with different expectations, interests and agendas. However, failure is not the end of the road, but an opportunity to learn, improve and demonstrate your resilience and adaptability. In this article, you'll discover how to use failure to grow and develop in your career as a senior stakeholder manager.

1 Accept responsibility

The first step to use failure to your advantage is to accept responsibility for your actions and decisions, and not blame others or external factors. This shows that you're accountable, honest and willing to face the consequences of your mistakes. By acknowledging your failure, you also open yourself to feedback, criticism and support from your stakeholders, peers and mentors, which can help you identify the root causes, gaps and areas for improvement.

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2 Analyze and reflect

The second step is to analyze and reflect on what went wrong, why it happened, and what you could have done differently or better. This helps you to learn from your failure and avoid repeating the same errors in the future. You can use various tools and methods to conduct a post-mortem analysis, such as SWOT, fishbone diagram, 5 whys, or lessons learned. You can also seek input from your stakeholders, team members, or external experts to gain different perspectives and insights.

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3 Take action

The third step is to take action based on your analysis and reflection, and implement changes or improvements to your processes, strategies, skills or behaviors. This shows that you're proactive, committed and willing to grow and develop as a senior stakeholder manager. You can also use this opportunity to communicate your actions and results to your stakeholders, and show them how you've overcome your failure and delivered value. This can help you to rebuild trust, credibility and confidence with your stakeholders.

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4 Seek feedback

The fourth step is to seek feedback from your stakeholders, team members, mentors or other sources on your actions and results, and how you've handled your failure. This helps you to evaluate your progress, measure your impact, and identify further areas for improvement or development. You can also use feedback to acknowledge your achievements, celebrate your successes, and recognize your efforts. Feedback can also help you to strengthen your relationships with your stakeholders, and foster a culture of learning and collaboration.

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5 Embrace failure

The fifth step is to embrace failure as part of your career journey, and not let it define you or limit you. This means that you accept that failure is inevitable, but also temporary, and that you can use it as a catalyst for growth and development. You also adopt a growth mindset, which means that you believe that you can improve your abilities and performance through effort, feedback and learning. You also view failure as a challenge, not a threat, and as an opportunity, not a setback.

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Ayobami Oke

PMO Analyst| Project Management Officer| Compliance Expert.
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In addition to this, note that while embracing failure as a natural part of life, it's important to challenge yourself. Set short, medium, or long-term goals with the specific intention of not repeating past failures. By setting these goals, you challenge your mind to work hard to overcome your previous shortcomings.

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6 Share your story

The sixth step is to share your story of failure and how you've used it to grow and develop with others, such as your stakeholders, team members, peers, mentors or network. This helps you to inspire, motivate and empower others to overcome their own failures and challenges, and to learn from your experience and insights. You also demonstrate your leadership, courage and vulnerability, and show that you're human and relatable. Sharing your story can also help you to build trust, rapport and influence with your stakeholders and others.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're in senior stakeholder management. How can you use failure to grow and develop in your career?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Accept responsibility

2 Analyze and reflect

3 Take action

4 Seek feedback

5 Embrace failure

6 Share your story

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

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You're in senior stakeholder management. How can you use failure to grow and develop in your career?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Accept responsibility

2 Analyze and reflect

3 Take action

4 Seek feedback

5 Embrace failure

6 Share your story

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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