Table of Contents >
Chapter 14. Core Functions in Leadership >
Section 10. Overcoming Setbacks and Adversity >
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| Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz |
Checklist
Here you will find a checklist summarizing the important points of the section.
What do we mean by setbacks and adversity?
__ A setback is a single event or specific series of events that impedes your forward progress as an organization.
__ Adversity, rather than a distinct occurrence, is more likely to be an ongoing unfavorable condition.
__ Setbacks and adversity each make different demands on a leader.
Why is it important to focus on overcoming setbacks and adversity?
__ To keep the organization moving forward.
__ To avoid discouragement and despair.
__ To keep staff/volunteer morale high.
__ To maintain standing in the community.
__ To add to your and the organization’s store of knowledge.
__ To enhance your development as a person and as a leader.
__ To maintain the organization’s faith in its leadership.
__ To keep the focus on your mission, and continue to serve or work for those at whom the effort is aimed.
When should you work to overcome setbacks and adversity?
__ In the case of a setback, action should usually be immediate, and geared specifically to reversing the situation, whatever it is.
__ In adversity, you have to move forward steadily, both to get the organization through difficulties and in order to overcome them.
How do you, as a leader, overcome setbacks and adversity?
__ Stay calm.
__ Communicate.
__ Take action.
__ Determine what went wrong, and use your analysis to fix the problem, if it’s within your control, or to get around or cope with it, if it’s not..
__ Develop a strategic plan for coping with the situation.
__ Involve everyone in the organization in planning your coping strategy.
__ Ask for help from outside the organization if you need it . . . and sometimes even if you don’t.
__ Emphasize moving the organization forward.
__ Accentuate the positive.
__ As a leader, share the hardships of the situation with the rest of the organization.
__ Use the situation to build solidarity within the organization.
__ Make sure everyone in the organization, including you, gets the emotional and other support he needs.
__ Don’t be too serious.
__ Point out the learning that came out of the situation.
__ Keep the big picture always before you.
__ Don’t let up.