How managers can better navigate setbacks

Mark Green • December 4, 2023

Managers often hit bumps in the road, like project hiccups, team spats, tight budgets, or external curveballs. Handling these setbacks with finesse is key for keeping the team spirits high, hitting your targets, and levelling up as a manager. Here are some street-smart tips for managers to handle setbacks like a pro:


Stay Positive: Keep that chin up and stay resilient. A positive vibe can be contagious and help you and your team brainstorm some epic solutions.


Size Up the Situation: Get the lowdown on what caused the setback and how it's messing with your plans. This information will be your guide to making the right moves.


Keep It Real: Be straight with your team. Tell them what's up, how it affects everyone, and what your battle plan is. Encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas.


Roll with the Punches: Be flexible. Sometimes, you have to ditch the playbook and try something new to tackle setbacks.


Get the Team Involved: Rally your team for a brainstorm session. Everyone's got ideas – weigh them up and go with the A-team solution.


Delegate: Figure out what needs your touch and what can be handed over to the team. Keep everyone on the A-list tasks.


Manage Expectations: Make sure your goals are still realistic considering the curveball. Don't set the bar so high that it's unrealistic.


Ask for Input: Team members and colleagues can have some real gems in their pockets. Tap into their wisdom.


Learn as You Go: Treat setbacks as growth spurts. After you've conquered one, dig into what went south and how to dodge it next time.


Boost Resilience: Flex those resilience muscles. Grow that "can-do" attitude, and make sure your team is working on their bounce-back game too.


Stay True to Your North Star: Don't stray from your long-term goals and vision. Setbacks are just pit stops on the road to success.


High-Five the Little Wins: Celebrate even the small victories along the way. It’s good to give the team a morale boost.


Buddy Up for Advice: Don't go it alone. Ask mentors, peers, or higher-ups for some wisdom from the trenches.


Time Juggling Act: Manage your time like a ninja. Focus on the setback without letting other priorities slide.


Stay Nimble: Flex those agility muscles. Being able to change course at the drop of a hat is a superpower when it comes to handling setbacks.


Setbacks are part and parcel of management life. How you tackle them is the real game-changer. Stay positive, keep things flexible, and soak up the wisdom from every setback. You'll come out of it stronger and smarter.

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In business since 2002 in New Zealand, Frog Recruitment is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. Located across Auckland and Wellington, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 RCSA Excellence in Candidate Care Award, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.

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