56. Career Setbacks: How to Recover and Bounce Back Stronger

CAREER SETBACKS — SECRETS OF THE CORPORATE GAME — EPISODE 56

How do you bounce back after career setbacks or manage challenging workplace conflicts? In this episode, Kendall Berg takes a deep dive into the art of career resets and conflict resolution. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, Kendall shares insights on recovering when promotions don’t go as planned. She also explains how to handle difficult managers, and navigate tricky peer relationships.

With expert advice on managing up, proactive networking, and creating clear development plans, this episode is packed with tools to help you overcome setbacks and strengthen your professional presence if you’re ready to elevate your career, tune in now.

Turn Career Setbacks into Your Biggest Opportunity

When facing the disappointment of missing out on a promotion, it’s not just about bouncing back—it’s about evaluating what went wrong and what needs to change. Kendall emphasizes the importance of setting aside ego and asking the tough questions: Is there something I should have done differently? Sometimes the reason is beyond your control, like budget cuts or administrative errors. However, if it’s not, it’s time to reflect. Are you happy with your role even without the promotion, or has your current workplace become toxic, draining your energy and offering little in return?

If the latter, it might be time to stop trying to impress a system that doesn’t serve you and redirect that energy into finding a job that aligns with your values. From building a strategic touchpoint plan with your boss to ensuring your work is recognized, Kendall shares how to shift from surviving to thriving in your career.

Before You Quit: A Smarter Approach to Career Decisions

Feeling stuck in your career without upward mobility can be frustrating, even if everything else seems perfect. Kendall reflects on a moment when she left a great workplace for a higher salary and better title, only to later regret leaving. She emphasizes that while the move led to valuable lessons, taking the time to evaluate whether a job change is truly a need or just a want could have prevented regret. By following her three-step approach—assessing performance, identifying if it’s truly necessary to leave, and developing a communication strategy—you can avoid making impulsive decisions.

Kendall reminds us that even if you decide to stay, it’s okay to keep an eye on the job market for the right opportunity, but there’s no need to rush. Instead, take a moment to breathe, assess your situation, and continue moving forward without burning bridges.

Episode’s Takeaways

Career Disappointments and Resets (00:00 – 09:51)

• Topic: Resetting after career disappointments
• Focus on not getting an expected promotion
• Three steps to handle disappointment: Assess if there are performance gaps, Determine if happiness is contingent on promotion, Create a strategy and touch base plan
• Importance of networking beyond immediate boss
• Personal story of being passed over for promotion

Interpersonal Conflict at Work (09:51 – 17:41)

• Types of workplace conflicts
• Steps to reset after conflict: Take 10 minutes to consider the other person’s perspective, Schedule a one-on-one meeting, Maintain boundaries or open dialogue
• Bonus tip: For frequent offenders, increase positive interactions

Managing Up and Networking (17:41 – 24:44)

• Importance of understanding manager’s goals and objectives
• Asking for clear expectations from managers
• Proactive communication with managers
• Building a broader network beyond the immediate boss
• Quarterly meetings with the boss’s peers and the boss’s boss

Watch on YouTube

That Career Coach

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

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