Ever messed up, made a mistake or found yourself in a place of “oops”? Of course you have. We all have. Now, what if it has been a series of mistakes or maybe even a perceived series of mistakes and now you are under a microscope, on a short leash or on someone’s radar. How does that make you feel? More importantly, how do you act?
When I worked in NYC, very early on in my career in men’s fashion, I was given a responsibility without any clear direction at all. People liked me and I was known to understand the industry pretty well. I was very visible. Now unbeknownst to me, the VP of Sales didn’t know or understand what I really did or really what value I was bringing to the team. Again, what team, I had no supervisor. I will never forget the day in her office when she said (and I paraphrase), “not sure what you do, something had better change very quickly or you will be gone.” Have you been there before? Have you been told in some way “you had better shape up”? Usually it isn’t a surprise, but what if it is?
As managers (or even owners if you have no managers), we are being judged in some way. Does that seem harsh? It shouldn’t…we are all accountable for our actions and decisions. Someone, whether it be an area manager or regional or VP (and ultimately the customer) measures your performance, in some way. They get to choose, wrongly or rightly, whether we have done the right thing.
So for my story, it took a twist of fate. I had to provide a product knowledge thingy (thanks to a colleague); a kind of runway and seminar event. I did pretty well. I just stood in front of these VPs, GMs and DMs and did what I do. Happy ending, a letter was drafted by the lead menswear VP with this major flagship department store chain to my VP of Sales about how awesome the event was and particularly, wait for it, the skill of the speaker. I was even offered a job by that company. Didn’t go. Anyway, I stood up, moved forward and decided I am able to be whatever I wish to be. I had found my strength in light of being close to being gone. People can change. They can. I strongly believe in this ability. We may not immediately see it. It does exist. It starts with belief. Belief in yourself.
Whether our moment is multiple mistakes or a perceived degree of mistakes, what is your choice? Freak out, leave or pick yourself up and act. Someone once said “Be ready when opportunity comes…luck is the time when preparation and opportunity meet.” The tweek I would make is “luck is when belief in yourself and what you can accomplish meets the moment.” Pretty much the same, just a little different. Some do not believe in the concept of luck, just hard work and perseverance…that you produce your own “luck”. Nevertheless, this is not about luck. It is about when you are figuring out your place in the company, even if your job may be in question. Please consider these things:
Maybe you are not there yet and you need something or someone to help you do the “right” thing.
Promise yourself you will not give up!
Stay focused and look at what is happening around you. Consider the context, both what happened and what needs to happen.
Don’t dwell on the past. Just learn from it.
Move and act forward. Even it feels weird, just do something…move…do.
Mistakes can mess with your head, persevere and stay real and authentic.
And if still in doubt, ask for help. Seriously.
I have found that even when you are in the darkness of mistakes or biased perceptions, you are not alone. Since everyone makes mistakes and there will always be biases; I believe there will always be someone who has your best interest at heart. My colleague saw my worth and believed in me. It changed me and how I felt about what I could accomplish.
I have made mistakes. I still make them. I even know people who may even see me based on their perception of my amplitude of mistakes. I choose to stand up and move. Change can happen despite someone’s bias, their “Oh, that is just how they are”. Bull stuff. You have worth! You can always change your own behavior. Fight, be different. Don’t settle. Keep walking forward. You can do this even in light of a mistake or even someone’s opinion of what you can or cannot do.
Listen friends, management and leadership always risks something. It is hard and you will make mistakes. Believe me if you look close enough, it also always has support. Even in the most unlikely of places.
Cheers