Expect to Encounter Setbacks

My father taught me to ‘plan for the worst, hope for the best, but take what comes’. Only a fool goes into a business issue, an acquisition, a restructuring, and so on, expecting a smooth ride. Business life just isn’t like that.

Having realistic expectations and planning to encounter setbacks means that the business adventurer is far more likely to succeed in his venture. This is particularly relevant when dealing with change. People will come up with very good reasons why the status should be retained.

These should be expected and, rather than taking a top-down authoritarian approach, the wise business adventurer will recognise that this is something he anticipated, with the result that he will take the time and make the effort to communicate and explain the reasons behind the decision, thereby ensuring that barriers are removed, and progress is made.

To get over setbacks you need two things: confidence and courage. Confidence is like one of those perfumes that react differently with each individuals body chemistry to produce something unique. The only point on which everyone agrees is that without confidence, nothing happens. Not every act and decision you make will be supported 100 per cent. In fact, there will be times as a business adventurer that you may feel very alone. Courage is integral to leadership because it is what keeps you moving forward on your plan and direction.

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