Nearly everyone in the workforce has experienced a setback at some point. Many are familiar with concepts like learning from mistakes, post-traumatic growth, and failing up. But a setback is not always a mistake, trauma, or failure. A setback is defined as a reversal or “a checking of progress.” It’s when the path forward disappears — an unexpected bump backwards, a return to a starting line, a forced need to reroute.
How Project Managers Can Better Navigate Setbacks
Start by understanding how our brains process the experience.
October 30, 2023
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Summary.
Setbacks are common on projects — but project managers hold four key tools to understand why they happen and how to help their teams move past them. First, understand the neuroscience behind setbacks to encourage people to learn and grow. Second, openly acknowledge that a setback has occurred to prevent backsliding. Third, adopt a growth mindset to help others strive for improvement instead of getting stuck on autopilot. And fourth, scenario plan so that you have clear options for moving forward.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Project Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Project Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to get it done right, on time, and on budget.