Embracing Challenges and Growth - "Please don’t get me wrong - It's nothing personal - it's about the business."

Author: André L. Belleville

Introduction:

How often have you heard this sentence in your professional world? After all, you have put a lot of thought into your proposal and then most importantly you were brave to stand up and question the status quo. As a manager, there could be a lot of weight on your shoulders. Should your proposal not go through, it could have a severe impact on the employees you are responsible for.

To make it more realistic, let me draw the following scenario:

A young and talented manager, who believed in the value of the "open door policy" and empowering every individual's confidently, presented a new proposal. He questioned a senior colleague's traditional approach. However, the proposal was not accepted. It was dismissed by "We have always done it this way, why change a working system?". As if this answer was not frustrating enough for the young manager, the meeting ended with the Senior addressing the Junior by saying "

Please don’t get me wrong - It's nothing personal - it's about the business."

In a fast-paced business setting, embracing challenges and fostering a culture of openness is instrumental in driving innovation and growth.

As a young manager, your first natural reaction could be "Of course, this is personal!"

Instead of taking it personally the young manager should look at the situation differently. I am not stating this is easy. This is where personal growth can start to "hurt" a little bit.

Challenging the Status Quo:

The manager's courage to present a fresh perspective demonstrated his/her commitment to improvement and innovation. Despite the loss in the meeting, the young manager's approach showcased their willingness to challenge the status quo and think critically about business strategies.

Handling the Loss Professionally:

Upon receiving the disappointing news, the manager exemplified professionalism and composure. Instead of becoming disheartened, the manager sought feedback from the senior colleague to gain valuable insights into the decision-making process. This approach highlighted the employee's dedication to personal and professional growth.

Self-Reflection and Learning:

The setback became an opportunity for self-reflection. The young manager took the time to analyze the situation objectively, identifying areas for improvement in their approach and presentation. This introspection demonstrated a commendable level of self-awareness and a desire to learn from experiences.

Separating Business from Personal:

The senior colleague's remark, "It's nothing personal - it's about the business," served as a reminder that decisions made in the business world are primarily driven by business objectives. The young manager demonstrated emotional intelligence by not taking the decision personally and understanding that disagreements are a part of the professional landscape.

Continuing the Pursuit of Openness:

Despite the loss, the young manager remained committed to the notion of openness and "speaking up" within the organization. This willingness to continue contributing positively exemplifies their dedication to improving the workplace and driving progress.

Building Supportive Alliances:

Recognizing the importance of collaboration and support within an organization, the young manager proactively sought to maintain positive relationships with colleagues and superiors. This approach fostered a network of allies, enhancing the manager's influence and impact in the workplace.

As a coach, I advise young managers to handle this loss with professionalism, self-reflection, and a growth mindset as outlined above.

Let us look into possible reactions in more detail:

• Stay composed and professional: It's essential to maintain composure and not let the emotions from the meeting spill over into your interactions afterward. Take a deep breath and remain respectful and composed when engaging with the senior colleague.
• Seek feedback: Ask your senior colleague for specific feedback on your proposal. This shows that you value their opinion and are open to learning from their experience. Constructive feedback can help you understand why your idea wasn't chosen and what you can improve upon in the future.
• Self-reflect: Take some time to reflect on the meeting and your proposal objectively. Analyze the situation to identify any potential areas of improvement in your approach or presentation. Self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Don't take it personally: Remind yourself that the decision made in the meeting was about the business and not a personal attack on you or your capabilities. In a business setting, disagreements and differing opinions are common, and decisions might not always align with your perspective.
• Learn from the experience: Treat this as a learning opportunity. Every setback is a chance to grow and develop new skills. Consider how you can adapt your ideas or communication style to better align with the company's culture and decision-making processes.
• Keep an open mind: While you believe in the "open door policy" and encourage everyone to speak up, it's important to understand that not every idea will be accepted or implemented. Be open to understanding various perspectives and be flexible in adapting your approach when necessary.
• Build alliances and support: Continue fostering positive relationships with colleagues and superiors, even if you disagree on certain matters. Building strong alliances can increase your influence within the organization and create opportunities for future collaboration.
• Don't be discouraged: This loss should not deter you from speaking up and presenting new ideas in the future. Organizations need employees who are willing to challenge the status quo and think innovatively. Your willingness to contribute in this way will be appreciated over time.
• Focus on the bigger picture: Remember that setbacks are a natural part of any career. Stay focused on your long-term goals and the positive impact you can make within the organization. Maintain your enthusiasm and dedication to your work.
• Seek support from a coach, mentor, or peers: Reach out to a coach, mentor, or supportive colleagues to discuss the situation and gain additional insights. Having a strong support network can help you navigate challenging situations more effectively.
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Summary:

Ultimately, facing challenges and setbacks is a normal part of professional growth. I encourage the young managers to use this experience as a stepping stone toward becoming a more influential and effective team member within the business world.