The initial stages of a job search. A first interview. Your first few weeks of a new job. These are times you probably feel a sense of optimism – they’re periods associated with new beginnings and yet-to-be-discovered opportunities.
But we know that life doesn’t always follow a nice, easy path. Adversity and setbacks are part of life. How we deal with setbacks can make the difference between an overwhelmingly negative experience or a stepping stone for future success.
In this month’s Business Beacon I wanted to share my thoughts on the way that adversity can be flipped on its head to create a force for change, personal growth, and new opportunities.
Which brings me to… West Ham manager Graham Potter. Didn’t see that coming, did you? Read on and let me explain!
A Challenging Journey
When Potter was taken on by Chelsea in 2022, he was hired with high hopes, but he faced immediate challenges: high expectations, a tough competitive environment, and inconsistent team performance.
Just like Potter, many employees start a new job full of hope and potential, only to face unforeseen challenges. These difficulties can lead to setbacks, including a poor performance review or even a job loss.
Potter's short tenure was marked by struggles and inconsistent results, much like when a project or role doesn’t go as planned. Despite one’s best efforts, things don't always align.
The key takeaway here? Adversity in our careers isn’t a reflection of our abilities but often external circumstances or timing. What matters most is how we choose to react.
The Value of Experience: Learning from Adversity
Whilst it may not be the path you anticipated, adversity often brings unexpected opportunities for growth. Dealt with in the right way, professional setbacks can help you to:
- Build resilience: tough times help build mental fortitude.
- Learn from mistakes: mistakes and failures offer unique lessons that success cannot.
- Focus on your professional development: overcoming challenges forces you to adapt and develop new skills.
And don’t forget that classic interview question, “Can you give us an example of a time you overcame a challenge.” Companies value candidates who can demonstrate growth through adversity. A professional who can articulate how they overcame a challenge or failure is seen as adaptable and resourceful—traits every employer seeks.
A New Beginning
Now, if you don’t follow football, you may be wondering, “What became of Graham Potter?”
Last month, Potter was appointed manager at West Ham. Despite leaving Chelsea in 2023, he decided to take some time out to assess his strengths, weaknesses, and what he could do better in his next role.
The same could be applied to anyone making a fresh start after a professional setback - apply the lessons learned in your new position.
Whilst at the time, adversity can feel overwhelming, try to reframe it as the stepping stone to your next opportunity.
Who knows what’s around the corner? Admittedly, you’re unlikely to end up managing a Premier League football club(!), but you may ultimately find yourself a better-suited opportunity with better growth potential. And you may not have got there without the lessons learnt and hard-won experience of that initial setback.
I’ll leave you with Potter’s quote on his Chelsea managerial period –
"I didn't want to lose my job. But at the same time, I look back now and maybe it's the best thing that happened to me. Maybe the next 10-20 years is going to be great because of the experience I've had. I just look at it as a learning experience.”
Wise words!
