Rejection stings. Even when it’s constructive, even when it’s paired with praise, even when you know deep down it’s meant to help you grow—it still hits hard.
I recently went through a Business Development Rep (BDR) Assessment Centre, where I scored highly in communication, planning & organization, and bravery—all areas that reflect my strengths in leadership and execution. But the feedback also highlighted areas for growth: teamwork, collaboration, interpersonal skills, and written communication.
At first, it was tough to process. I had an overall score of 80.09, a strong composite, yet I still fell short in areas that I hadn’t realized were weaknesses. The part that stuck with me most? My performance during the Lost at Sea group task and final interview.
Balancing Leadership and Collaboration: A Hard Lesson Learned
During the group task, I jumped in early, leading the discussion and keeping the team focused. My direct, concise communication was noted as a strength. But there was another side to it—I had moments where I worked too independently, not fully engaging with my teammates’ ideas.
That stung. I’ve always seen myself as a team player. I thrive in high-energy environments and love bringing people together. But this feedback made me realize that leading isn’t just about guiding a team—it’s about making space for others to contribute, too.
I struggled to articulate my teamwork contributions in the final interview, which reinforced the need for me to reflect on when I successfully collaborated, supported peers, and adapted to different team dynamics. It wasn’t that I lacked these skills—I just hadn’t put enough thought into how I applied them.
Expanding My Mindset: Creativity, Adaptability, and Thinking Outside the Box
Another challenge came with the Show Your Passion task. My presentation was structured, engaging, and well-prepared—qualities I take pride in. However, the assessors noted that I could push my creative thinking further, explore unconventional solutions, and demonstrate adaptability in problem-solving.
This was eye-opening. I tend to approach problems with structure and strategy, which works well in many situations. But in fast-moving roles, especially in business development, there’s a need for quick adaptability, openness to new ideas, and creative risk-taking.
Turning Feedback Into Action
The rejection was tough, but I didn’t want to dwell on the disappointment. Instead, I decided to take action.
- Improving Collaboration & Teamwork
- Volleyball & Referee Magazine: I’ve expanded my work with Referee Magazine, collaborating on projects within the volleyball world. This is an opportunity to actively engage in teamwork, refine my ability to incorporate others’ ideas and showcase my ability to work toward a shared vision.
- Paraphrasing & Open-Ended Questions: I’m making a conscious effort to listen more, paraphrase others’ ideas in discussions, and ask open-ended questions to encourage diverse perspectives.
- Enhancing Creativity & Adaptability
- I’m pushing myself to explore different approaches to problem-solving. Whether in officiating, coaching, or professional settings, I’m looking beyond structured solutions and seeking out-of-the-box strategies.
- Strengthening Written Communication
- I’m refining my ability to write with clarity and impact—whether it’s through my work with Referee Magazine, emails, or content development.
- The feedback from my written task showed me that while I personalize well and align with strategic goals, my openings could be more direct and my differentiation more pronounced. Small tweaks have a big impact.
Reframing Rejection as a Tool for Growth
This experience reinforced something I’ve always known but had to learn the hard way:
💡 Being good at something doesn’t mean you’ve mastered it. There’s always room to grow.
💡 Leadership is about balance. Taking charge is important, but making space for others to contribute is just as valuable.
💡 Rejection isn’t failure—it’s feedback. And feedback is what pushes you to the next level.
As I continue my journey in Corporate Training & Development, Volleyball Officiating, and Professional Growth, I’m committed to embracing feedback, refining my collaboration skills, and stepping outside my comfort zone.
How do you handle feedback that challenges your self-perception? Let’s discuss.
#ProfessionalDevelopment #Coachability #Leadership #Collaboration #Adaptability #Resilience #GrowthMindset