Why the F Word Isnt Bad Empowering Growth

Why the “F” Word Isn’t Bad: Empowering Growth through “Failure”

Jennifer Payne B. S. Political Science and Education, Murray State University, 2005 M. B. A, Murray State University, 2008 Currently an Academic Advisor in the School of Business at SIUE Previously worked in Admissions/Orientation at SIUE

Tristin Wollbrink B. S. Psychology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 2012 M. A. Clinical Adult Psychology, SIUE, 2014 Currently an Academic Advisor in the School of Business at SIUE Previously worked in the Office of Retention and Student Success at SIUE

Objectives 1. Understand the impact of failure and recognize signs that failure may be a concern to a student 2. Utilize basic counseling skills to empower students to acknowledge failure when it occurs 3. Instill coping skills in students that they can apply to life scenarios

Activity Brief activity – What’s the first word you think of when you hear “failure”? Situations come up that may seem negative, and two individuals’ interpretations of the same situation can be very different

DEFINITION OF FAILURE (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) 1: omission of occurrence or performance – giving way under stress 2: lack of success 3: a falling short 4: one that has failed

Facets of Failure Millennial students Everybody gets a trophy Failure is not an option Not taught how to cope Choice of major Familial pressure Anticipated income vs. skill set Major change vs. delaying graduation Rejection Admission into school or major program Internship/jobs

Facets of Failure High-risk courses A students vs. C students Scapegoating Uncertainty about the future Job search/career outlook Job vs. graduate school Understanding that more options can lead to more indecisiveness

Counseling Skills Active Listening in a way that makes people feel understood Provide undivided attention Use appropriate body language and gestures Focus on what the student wants to discuss Use open-ended questions Reflect and summarize

Active Listening Example

Counseling Skills Empathy Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes Create a safe environment Appropriate Self-Disclosure Ø “I” statements Ø Refer only to your own experience Ø Be brief

CV of Failures (Haushofer, 2016)

Empathy Do not minimize feelings Avoid comparisons Focus on the student’s reaction to the problem Avoid judgment and put aside your own viewpoint Praderas, 2017

Counseling Skills Positive Reframing Finding the good in every situation Identifying and disputing irrational thoughts Does not change the situation, but puts things in a healthier perspective Use a thought journal

Positive Reframing Example

Positive Reframing Model

Coping with Failure American College Health Association (ACHA) 2015 National College Health Assessment survey reported that nearly one in six college students (15. 8 percent) had been diagnosed with, or treated for, anxiety. Meditate/Exercise Surround yourself with positive influences (supportive friends, family, faculty/staff) Encourage and increased focus on self-care and managing reactions to stress

Coping with Failure Ask, “What would be helpful from me? ” Remember that all individuals respond differently to failure

Coping with Failure 1. Identify the failure 2. Discuss why the failure occurred 3. Collaboratively create a plan to move forward beyond failure Promote self-compassion Emphasize the importance of asking for help and utilizing resources

Coping with Failure Admissions vs. Retention Advisors can utilize both skills How advising impacts other areas at the university Helping students find the best fit Not just here for a class schedule Ensure that students leave your office feeling better and more confident than when they arrived

What Does Failure Really Mean? The definition of success means you have achieved your desired result. Does it really matter how many times you fail as long as you eventually reach your goal? Isn’t success that much sweeter when you have persevered through failure, overcome obstacles, and can educate others with fun stories about your journey?

Discussion What could you or your students accomplish professionally or personally if you embraced failure as an inevitable part of the learning process? How can advisors prepare students for potential failure?

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