Why Leaders Must Fail in Targets have some Reasons
We are surrounded by the chase for perfection but unfortunately it doesn't exist. The crazy thing is that all of us KNOW it doesn't exist. How do we know? Well, we all have different opinions and no one agrees 100% with the media. Not everyone agrees that 4.0 is the greatest indicator of success and neither is 2400.
So, why is it that we continue to chase after perfection? The simple answer is that we haven't been taught how to fail. We haven't learned how to own up, accept responsibility for our results and continue to move forward. Sure, some of us do it. But, when something goes wrong, the majority of us immediately react by looking to place the blame on someone or something. Unfortunately, that is the reaction of many leaders as well. Many leaders blame the economy. Many leaders blame the worker morale. Many leaders blame the marketing department. Many leaders blame everyone but the person in the mirror. Maybe blame is a tough word because it makes it seem like all of the responsibility should lay in one place. That's not the intent. However, when things are not working, I'm suggesting that our first response should be to look inward, asking the question, "what can I do to move this forward?"
I read a quote by Harold Myra that said "Failure is the inevitable companion of a large vision."
If I flip that on it's head, the question becomes, "If you are not failing, how large is your vision?"
People don't always follow leaders with a large vision. But leaders who create and ultimately achieve a large vision make IMPACT! They make impact not only because they were consistent in sticking to the vision and executing, but also because they failed and were able to continue powerfully in the face of it.
Powerful leaders must be able to teach their teams not only to EXPECT failure but HOW to fail. In racing, the drivers learn HOW to crash and HOW to respond when the road conditions cause the car to spin. A crash is a fail but learning how to do it is important. When learning how to parachute, there is not really a great margin for failure. However, when a parachute fails, you are taught about the reserve parachute and rolling techniques that may lessen the impact as you reach the ground. (Check out this article)
When leaders fearlessly fail, several things take place:
1. They are able to practice rebound - They are able to understand the process of breakdown and how to come back from it. They can then effectively direct their teams on this process.
2. They show that it is a part of the process of progress - Achievement doesn't happen without failure even though we like to share the story of ideal. The real story is about how to push through the process.
3. They create a culture of safety - Too often, we work or live in environments where we FEAR messing up. If we mess up, we are going to get fired, be blamed, etc, etc. If the leader fails and provides the template for pushing through, that creates a culture where failure is safe, especially if they are taught HOW to fail.
4. They get to see FIRSTHAND what works and what doesn't - Too often leaders are removed from the process. It is in being closely connected that you are able to solidify relationships and create unity. When failure happens here, it's easier to brainstorm. It's easier to craft a new path. It's easier to move forward with an entire team that pushes in the decided direction. However, if the leader is removed, what tends to happen is simply meetings, meetings and more meetings that circle around blame and who's fault it was. It's not always possible for the leader to be in the middle of the pack. But, the show Undercover Boss is a perfect example of the perspective that is gained when this effort is made.
Perfection is all around us. Well, at least the chase for it is. Media tells women what is the perfect body shape and weight. Academically, 4.0 is a perfect GPA. Back in the day, 1600 was a perfect SAT score but apparently it is now 2400. (Shows you how long ago I took it.)
Perfection is all around us. Well, at least the chase for it is. Media tells women what is the perfect body shape and weight. Academically, 4.0 is a perfect GPA. Back in the day, 1600 was a perfect SAT score but apparently it is now 2400. (Shows you how long ago I took it.)
Perfect doesn't exist. Failure does. Why focus on the one that isn't real? Pursue fearless failure. Pursue progress. Pursue learning.
Can you remember a situation in which you were taught HOW to fail? Leave your answer in the comments.
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About The Author: Robert Kennedy III is trainer, author and speaker that works with organizations on personal performance and leadership. He believes that focusing on personal performance empowers individuals to create and achieve their best while allowing purpose-driven organizations to achieve maximum results. He is the author of 28 Days To A New Me: A Journey of Commitment and the also the forthcoming book, Purpose, Power & Profit: How To Create Maximum Impact Through Understanding Your Gifts.
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