Embracing Failure - Lessons from L’Oréal’s Spokespeople and my own journey
Have you ever stumbled upon a gem of wisdom in the most unexpected places? That's exactly what happened to me when I stumbled upon a sponsored video from L'oreal about failure. Yes, you read that right—L'oreal, the cosmetics giant, diving deep into the topic of failure. Intriguing, right?
In this thought-provoking video, L'oreal teamed up with LinkedIn to explore the often-taboo topic of failure and how we show up when we face setbacks. What struck me the most was their innovative approach to CVs—they're encouraging people to showcase their failures and what they've learned from them. Talk about a game-changer in the world of professional development!
Watching this video got me thinking about my own journey and the failures I've encountered along the way. And let me tell you, there have been quite a few! From botched presentations to missed opportunities, I've had my fair share of setbacks. But you know what? Each failure has been a valuable lesson in disguise.
So, in the spirit of transparency and growth, I want to share some of my own failures with you. Here goes:
1. Failed Project Launch - Early in my career, I was tasked with leading a high-stakes project launch. Long story short, it didn't go as planned. Despite meticulous planning, we encountered unforeseen challenges that derailed the entire project. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I learned the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity.
2. Rejected Promotion - There was a time when I applied for a promotion and was met with a resounding "no" from the decision-makers. It was a blow to my ego, to say the least. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, I used it as motivation to upskill, grow professionally, and eventually, land that coveted promotion.
3. Difficult Feedback - I once received feedback suggesting that I didn't have the right skills for my current role. Initially, it shook my confidence and left me questioning my abilities. However, I refused to let it define me. Instead, I turned it into fuel for my fire, committing myself to continuous learning and professional development. And you know what? I proved the doubters wrong and exceeded expectations in my role.
Now, I'm sure you're wondering, "How do you bounce back from failure?" Well, I've got some top tips to share:
1. Embrace Vulnerability - It's okay to admit when things don't go as planned. Embracing vulnerability allows you to learn from your mistakes and grow stronger in the process.
2. Seek Feedback - Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, or trusted friends. Constructive criticism is invaluable for identifying areas of improvement and charting a path forward.
3. Practice Self-Compassion - Be kind to yourself during times of failure. Remember that failure is not a reflection of your worth or abilities. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend in need.
4. Focus on Growth - Instead of dwelling on past failures, shift your focus to growth and development. Use setbacks as opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve for the future.
So, here's to embracing failure, learning from our mistakes, and growing stronger with each setback. After all, as L'oreal so aptly puts it, "Failure is an ingredient for success." Let's wear our failures proudly and use them as stepping stones to greatness!