Ruth Presslaff, President, Presslaff Interactive Revenue
As an entrepreneur I wear many hats. I frequently find myself acting as my own manager, cheerleader, shrink, etc. When going through any number of stressful situations I ask myself: What am I actually doing to solve the problem? How much of my response is frustration or worry and how much of my response is working toward a solution? I try to divorce myself from the emotion of the issue and focus on the bottom line of resolving it and moving forward. That said, there’s only so much I can do on my own. I’m grateful to the friends, mentors and associates who play a significant role in working through problems.

Mary Ware, Vice President/Director, Katz Urban Dimensions
When I have frustrating outcomes, I evaluate it very carefully by first evaluating self, then evaluating the situation, then making a plan to bring about a different outcome. I answer questions like:
• What did I do to contribute to this situation?
• What could I have done differently to prevent it?
• What do I need to do to fix it?
• How can I prevent this from happening again?
After carefully evaluating self, the situation and other parties or circumstances involved, I begin implementation of a new and improved strategy.

Nancy Vaeth, Senior Vice President/Regional Manager, Susquehanna Radio
You have to look at any setback or disappointment as a learning experience. If we’re open minded and avoid the temptation to feel sorry for ourselves, the lessons we can learn from a career setback can have a profound positive impact on our lives.

Kim Guthrie, Regional vp/gm, Cox radio
I feel that everything happens for a reason. I believe that if things don't work out in a particular job, it's because you're meant to be somewhere else, perhaps doing what you really are better suited to do. After five years as a television news reporter, I grew frustrated with the jobs I was being considered for. I had always wanted to anchor the news, but I found myself continually counted on to be the weather anchor. I detested doing the weather ... so much so, that I eventually left the TV business to pursue a sales career in radio. It was the absolute best thing that ever happened to me. The marketing responsibility that went with being an account executive was thrilling to me. Then as I was promoted into management, I found that I had good business sense and truly enjoyed running a business. I would never have found that I had these strengths if I had not left the TV news side of broadcasting for radio management. I thank my lucky stars for those painful years standing in front of weather maps -- because I hated it just enough to consider doing something else. And as it turned out for me -- as it has for virtually everyone else I know who has faced similar circumstances -- I ended up landing in a better place with a career that was a much better fit for my natural talents.

Laura Hagan, President, HBCsi National Sales (KATZ Media)
I believe this year has been full of trepidation, disappointments, fear and change. What I have done to put everything in perspective is look beyond the moment; look beyond this year. Think of all the accomplishments which did not come easy. It came with a lot of work, determination and faith. At the end of the tunnel there is always that hope; there is always that light that things will turn around. You must believe that things will improve and get much better because your whole staff and family is looking at you for the spark that everything will be fine. Most importantly, surround yourself with good, caring friends with whom you can speak openly and confidentially. These associates will pull you through by just reminding you of all the good that you have done and give you open-minded advice.

Denise Oliver, Oliver Media
I count my blessings. Whatever professional problems I may encounter pale in comparison with the health and happiness of my loved ones. Focusing on real life helps keep radio in
perspective. If a setback affects a group of people, like a bad ratings book or missed sales goal, it’s important to keep morale up to remain competitive for future challenges.

Lisa Decker, General Manager, Infinity Radio/Seattle
1. Assess your situation accurately.
2. Create an action plan.
3. Know what you want and go get it.
4. Keep things in perspective.
5. Stay positive.
6. Stay close to your friends and family during this time.
7. Follow your heart and do what you know is best for you.
8. Don’t sell yourself or your experiences short. Remember you have a lot to offer.
9. Learn from your experiences.
10. Celebrate all the wins, small and large.

Amy Waggoner, President and General Manager, ABC’s Minneapolis cluster
Let out your anger and frustration, privately, then take a deep breath, step back and force yourself to honestly and objectively assess the situation. Think realistically. Nobody died. You will figure out a way to overcome this. Then get yourself to work and devise your strategy to do exactly that. If necessary, consult with people you can trust and get their perspective. But always remember and be consciously aware that the rationality, objectivity, and honesty required to move forward must come from within you.

Bonnie Press, President, Katz Dimensions
1. Separate personal and professional issues. Feel the emotion but understand the situation.
2. Take action, even if it begins with a checklist of items that need to be addressed.
a) don't wallow in the disappointment
b) realize that you must take the first step, no one can do that for you.
3. Remember the old adage that there are no problems, only opportunities. This is an opportunity for change, for new challenges and for professional (and personal) growth.
4. Engage your "inner circle" as a sounding board for ideas. Don't re-hash events. Rather focus on those issues at hand. Think pro-actively, looking at what's ahead and not what's behind.
5. Focus on issues you can control. Don't waste time on those elements that you can't impact.

Mary Bennett, EVP/National Marketing, The Radio Advertising Bureau
First I allowed myself initially a brief period of time to acknowledge the frustration or failure and the attendant emotions. Next, and most importantly, I sought counsel with a select group of mentors and respected business associates to assist me in gaining perspective about the situation. This has never failed to remind me of the wisdom gained in erring or failing, as well as formulating the seeds of what comes next. Then I have fairly rapidly taken action that allows me to forward - whether that means correcting an existing situation to the best of my ability or moving on to a “next opportunity”. I remind myself that life is far too short to spend time dwelling on the past.

Corinne Baldassano, President, Translucent Media
When there has been any kind of disappointment or setback, I quickly assessed the situation: Was there anything I could have done differently? Were there contributing factors that were totally out of my control? What factors (whether external or otherwise) caused this to happen?
Once I had some answers, I focused on the things I could have controlled or done differently and either made immediate adjustments or used those answers as a feedback loop for “the next time” a similar incident occurred. As for things I couldn’t control, the best I could do was learn to recognize the warning signs and not let myself get into that kind of situation again. Then I let it go and moved on, having gained a valuable lesson.

Erica Farber, Publisher and CEO, Radio & Records
My short advice regarding a setback or a disappointing turn: First of all, take a deep breath. We really do forget to breathe properly. Whatever the situation was or is, do not take it personally. This is about business. Sometimes we have to take a step back in order to take a step forward. Think about what you would do differently, if you were given the chance. Hold your head up high and move forward. Things happen for a reason; just make sure you are willing to make things happen. No one is going to do it for you, except you!

Mary Beth Garber, President, Southern California Broadcasters Assn
Look at it for what it is: a business decision someone had to make. Set it aside for 24 hours. They tend to be filled with emotional, not rational, reaction. Then “take it out” and analyze it as a business move, and what you can learn from it. You’ll find it much easier to answer questions about it in interviews. And, if you can understand the business perspective, it will become an invaluable part of what makes you a knowledgeable professional. But it sure does stink that first day.

Mary Quass, Pres CEO, Quass Communications
Give yourself permission to pout and feel sorry for yourself (About 30 minutes). Remember that setbacks are the hallmark of forward momentum. Look for something good that has come as a result of the setback. Pick yourself up and go back into the fray!

Judy Carlough, Free Agent
Since I am currently “in turnaround”, I feel especially competent to respond. Top ten things to do when dealing with a setback:

10. Don’t take it personally
9. Avoid analysis paralysis.
8. Focus on the future
7. Use discretion when sharing your feelings. Put on a game face
6. See setbacks as an opportunity for growth.
5. Don’t let your setback define who you are (or aren’t).
4. Be patient.
3. Be proactive.
2. Be your own best friend.
1. Help someone else.

Cindy W. Schloss, Regional VP/GM, Clear Channel Radio
In 1985, I lost my job due to a conflict with the owner of our group. He asked me to expense an item that was clearly not a station expense and when I refused, it was agreed that I was not the GM for him. Our staff had not received an increase in more than two years and he was “telling” me to expense his golf purchases totaling more than $700, on our P&L. My first step was to review my personal and professional goals and then develop a plan that allowed me to continue on the path I had set for myself and for my husband. Long story short, we identified what was important and by creating a clear plan, I identified three markets and a couple of companies that were in line with my plan. Four days later I landed the perfect job in Albuquerque, our top city of the three we identified (one of my personal goals was to be able to golf and ski in the same weekend and Albuquerque’s climate allows that to happen). Define your goal and follow your plan. Pretty basic and IT WORKS!