Rising Above Rejections: What to do when you keep getting knocked back
For ambitious teachers aspiring to take on middle management roles in schools, facing rejection for a promotion is an discouraging experience. However, setbacks are an inherent part of any career journey, and handling them with resilience and determination is key to eventual success. In this blog, I will delve into practical strategies to cope with rejections and turn them into stepping stones towards personal growth and professional advancement. By focusing on evidence of leadership, celebrating achievements, and staying persistent, teachers can overcome obstacles and eventually secure that well-deserved promotion.
Look for Evidence of Leadership
When faced with an unsuccessful application or interview, its easy to blame ourselves for not being good enough yet. At the beginning of your leadership journey, you're probably right. You may not have enough capability or ability to get the job right now, but you do know that you are close. Otherwise, you wouldn't have bothered applying, right?
Obviously get feedback so you can improve. Reach out and speak 1:1, send an email or get the panel convener on the phone to have a quick chat. All these actions will provide you with insights as to your next step.
But there is more you can do to support your mindset.
Instead of dwelling on what you have yet to learn, keep track of the evidence that you are ready.
Notice the impact of your actions.
Embrace an outsider's perspective by visualizing yourself as the confident and capable leader you are being, even though you don't have the title yet.
Recognize moments where you've surpassed expectations in your current role, demonstrating your potential for higher responsibilities.
Write it as a list.
Put it somewhere you can get to easily so you can add things to it.
When you get the wobbles, go and read this list.
All signs are you are heading in the right direction.
Identify the Gain, Not the Gap
Following a rejection, it's easy to fixate on perceived shortcomings and your unachieved goals. One way to shift your focus out of this rut is to take stock of just how far you've come. Look at the progress you've made in your teaching career and now the progress you're making as a leader.
I have been known to look back at past work I've done (emails, units of work, files saved on my computer, books I've read) and consider all the growth and learning I've been through.
Consider how past versions of yourself would view your current accomplishments. If you could sit down and talk to Past-You and share your wisdom, what would you be sharing with them? How would Past- You react to where you are today? Celebrate the growth you've made professionally and personally over your career.
Envision the future version of yourself acknowledging your determination and hard work. How proud will Future- You be that you've kept showing up? What would Future-You say to you about what they've gone through to get to where you want to be?
Looking at the gains you've made will shift your outlook on where you are currently.
Acknowledge Your 50%
Applying for a promotion is only part of the equation; the outcome is the other part and that is NOT 100% within your control so rejection will occur some of the time.
There are aspects of the application process that are beyond your control (someone acting in the role, what they school wants in their leaders etc). Your role in this process is to do your 50%. Submit the application. Prepare the best you can for the interview. Acknowledge that your responsibility lies in showing up and giving your best effort.
Avoid pre-determining that you won't succeed in securing the promotion. Just because someone else is currently acting in the role, doesn't mean you decide ahead of time that they will get it. If you approach the process with that decision as your lens, then you're not showing up fully in your 50%. Remember that the final decision is not entirely up to you, but your dedication to the process can influence the outcome.
Persevere, maintain an open mind, and remain committed to your professional growth.
Conclusion
Facing rejections for a promotion is a challenging experience for teachers seeking middle management roles. However, by adopting a growth mindset and embracing setbacks as opportunities, educators can transform their career trajectory. Looking for evidence of leadership, celebrating achievements, and persistently applying for promotions can propel teachers towards their career goals. Remember, each rejection is a chance to learn, grow, and become a stronger candidate for future opportunities. Embrace the journey, remain steadfast in your pursuit, and the well-deserved promotion will come your way.
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