Overcoming Setbacks and Adversity

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. 3

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. 4

How do you, as a leader, overcome setbacks and adversity? Stay calm. Communicate. Take action. Emphasize moving the organization forward Accentuate the positive. As leader, share the hardships of the situation with the rest of the organization. Use the situation to build solidarity within the organization. 5

Continued… Don’t be too serious. 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. Point out the learning that came out of the situation. Keep the big picture always before you. Don’t let up. 6