In the journey of leadership, the distinction between ability and skill is crucial. While ability may be an inherited trait, skill is cultivated through diligent effort and time in grade. By this definition, skill requires experience and something that I have been observing lately is that true growth poignantly comes from the lessons learned through mistakes and failures. Certainly, there are lessons to be learn from things gone right, but all too often we celebrate wins more than we analyze them. Shortcomings on the other hand, tend to stick in our minds a bit longer.
No doubt that life’s greatest satisfactions often stem from mastering a skill. There is no better feeling than personal mastery and the winning it generates. But, as noted, mastery and skill development for a leader comes through experience, some of which inevitably means facing setbacks. Since we will all make mistakes, it is essential to develop the art of gracefully navigating failure. As a leader, embracing failures gracefully is not just about accepting mistakes but also about understanding that these experiences are valuable personal and team learning opportunities. Consider Nelson Mandala’s famous quote “I’ve never lost, I’ve either won or learned something.” How you address your own failure is also an opportunity for your team to see how you will respond to theirs.
It is graceful to help your team to know that failure is just another path to learning, nothing to be feared. One great leader with whom I worked was the leader of the technology department of our company. Each week he held a team meeting that become known as F*** up Friday. (I apologize for the salty language.). In this meeting everyone had to confess their biggest error for the week and one person was awarded a travelling trophy to put in the office acknowledging them as the originator of the biggest error of the week. The process helped create a culture free of fear.
Another critical aspect of graceful failure is honesty. Leaders must openly acknowledge their mistakes rather than masking them with false optimism or deceptive spins of successes. This transparency fosters a culture of trust and encourages teams to also view their mistakes as learning experiences rather than failures. Hiding failures only creates a false sense of reality and can lead to disillusionment when the truth inevitably surfaces. When a team experiences a graceful and honest experience of failure from their leader then the fear of mistakes leaves the team and the productivity potential of “taking risks” flows in.
Success may build confidence, but wisdom and skill development are usually the result of adapting to the consequences of failures. Leaders who embrace reality, even when it is harsh, are more likely to develop the wisdom needed for sound decision-making. They think through the “five whys” until they understand the root cause of the issue. This wisdom helps navigate the delicate balance between some ideal state and realism, ensuring that leaders remain grounded while striving for high goals. Facing failures with a commitment to understand and overcome, then using the experience as tools for growth is a hallmark of effective leadership. This mindset not only enhances personal growth but also inspires teams to persist through challenges.
A Call to Leaders
Great leaders recognize that failure is an integral part of their growth. By honestly admitting mistakes and learning from them, they gain wisdom and develop skills. They also set a powerful example for their teams, fostering an environment where continuous improvement and resilience are valued. In this way, failures are not just obstacles but stepping stones towards achieving greater wisdom and success.