When the Plan Flops: 4 Strategies to Help Leaders Bounce Back After Upset

You planned the work. You worked the plan. And your business is still struggling.

Can you relate? I certainly can. In fact...

• I’ve gone out of my way for people who couldn’t wait to sign on to my internship services, only to be ghosted.
• I’ve had to cancel scheduled programs because my clients had to wait on budget updates before fully committing.
• I’ve been rejected for funding that seemed like the perfect fit, with zero explanation or guidance.
• I’ve hired people who didn’t deliver what I needed – I’ve also realized I need to do a better job delegating.

Can you point to a recent situation in your business that didn't go the way you had hoped—and now you’re left wondering, What now?

If you know yourself to be a high-performing leader, these moments can feel especially difficult. You’re used to being in control, moving forward, and making things happen.

But what happens when life happens? When unexpected personal challenges or uncontrollable external forces derail your progress?

From my own experience, I’d like to suggest, before you jump into DOING the next thing, take a breath, and choose– consciously– how you want to BE in response. Wise leaders know BEING precedes DOING.

I’ve learned to pause before I pivot and to utilize these 4 strategies:

1. Reconnect with Your Purpose & Vision: Step back and ask yourself, Why does your work matter? What are you really building, and Why? Take this opportunity to recalibrate, not necessarily quit.

2. Focus on What You Can Control: No matter how dire the situation, something is still within your power. What is that next best step you can take today? Do that.

3. Reframe & Reconsider: Remember that occasional failure is a necessary part of your long-term success. Take the lessons learned and infuse them into where you go next. Reconsider your options in a changing environment. Especially for service-based businesses like mine, have your clients’ expectations changed in the age of AI?

4. Simplify to Multiply: While it can feel counterintuitive, less truly is more in your effort to regroup effectively after a major upset. It could be the perfect time to simplify your business model, revisit your ideal client, and even rethink how you deliver results.

Hint: This will involve letting go of what is no longer essential and/or no longer serves you.

I am “practicing what I preach” at this very moment– now 5 years into running my business full-time.

To Your Success!

Amy

P.S. If you would like to chat 1:1, feel free to Book a Connection Call with me – I would love to learn more about you and your work in the world and explore how we might collaborate to support each other’s goals.