“One fails toward success.” - Charles F Kettering
Whenever you say the world “failure,” people hold their breath. Who wants to admit failure?
What I hear about failure most often is....
- Failure is why people get fired - right?
- Competency by definition does not allow for failure.
- If I admit failure, people will think I am stupid.
Why do a blog about failure? Here are some of my thoughts that I have tried to express when I am mentoring team members.
- If you are trying, you will sooner or later fail. It is only those who don't try that may avoid failure, but then again, they don't experience success either.
- We learn FAR more from failure than we ever learn from success. Success breeds compliancy.
- Failure is a positive experience when a good post-mortem is done. Read my Post Mortem Blog for more information.
It then comes down to attitude. We all fail, we all should improve. Here are some examples:
- You have lost your job. Ask, “What could I have done to be more ‘all in?’" Read my All in Blog for more information.
- The project wasn't done on time. Ask, “What could I have done to remove workflow pinch points?”
- Sales goals are not being met. Ask, “Am I touching my customers like I should, or am I hoping the sales come to me?” Don’t say, "My phone didn't ring today."
Continuous improvement is the name of game, and you only improve when you feel the need.
For information on the software solutions, training and consulting Ideate provides, please visit the Ideate, Inc. homepage.
David Haynes, NCARB, PMP, LEED AP
Ideate Director of Consulting
David is a Registered Architect, Project Management Certified Professional, who previously had his own architectural practice and was President of a commercial design–build construction company for 15 years. A graduate of University of Arizona, he has worked as an Architect, contractor, developer and as a national construction manager for a national retailer. David currently provides business process analysis, data integration, and change management solutions for AEC clients across the United States involved in the design and construction industry. Follow David on Twitter.