Have you ever poured your heart into a project only to be let down by the very people you expected to support you? That’s quite a letdown question to begin this conversation, but it’s a reality we as leaders must face. As leaders, it’s tough to face the reality that sometimes, despite our best efforts, people just don’t show up or come through or do what we expect. People let us down.
Recently, I worked with a leader raising funds for an important project. They had a solid donor base, executed a well-thought-out campaign, and the project itself was critical. But when the pledge deadline passed, the results were underwhelming. Needless to say, this leader was frustrated.
I get it. I’ve been there too. When I launched my book, Big Shoes to Fill, I thought I had everything in place. I contacted my contacts, did the marketing, and even had friends promote it on their platforms. Despite all the effort, the sales were…well, let’s say a fraction of what I expected. Even my closer friends didn’t buy it. Talk about disappointing.
But here’s the thing: disappointment, while painful, can become a powerful leadership tool.
What to Do When People Let Us Down
Taking the “L” in Leadership
When your people don’t come through, it feels like a loss. You’ve put in the energy, the vision, and the hard work, but your team or supporters are indifferent. It’s demoralizing, no question.
