Bennis writes "Next-generation leaders will need to fail frequently. If leaders aren't failing enough, then they probably aren't stretching themselves enough." I'm not sure if I agree with the "frequently" part, but I do agree that failure can result in learning.
10 comments:
I agree. That reminds me of what Theodore Roosevelt said:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
I look at this statement like that of Thomas Edison, who failed 1000 times trying to invent the lightbulb before he finally got it right.
I think it's a mindset like Edison states "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Just because it didn't turn out the way you wanted, doesn't mean it's a failure.
Failure can result in learning. It is all choice and one letter can make all the world of difference. When something happens bad to a person they have the choice to be bitter or get better. I choose to get better. Thanks for your post.
When I think of leaders failing, I think of the term "failing forward." Often times, too much failure can get a leader fired, and, quite honestly, failing is scary and no one wants to do it. But, if a leader fails forward, or in other words, learns from their failure and fails while attempting to be productive, then failure can be positive.
If we dont' believe in failure its like claiming we are Christians and we don't believe in Satan. You can't make a cake without breaking some eggs...or spilling flour...or milk...but when your done boy is it tasty.
I agree. It makes me feel better knowing that I am on the right track, because I have experienced several failures. But at least I am learning and applying. :)
I agree with Jason!! I don't believe that people need to fail frequently in order to stretch themselves.
I think what Bennis means is that you have to fail to grow - it goes back to a study where they found the most successful people had failed frequently to get where they were now a success - even through failure they never quit - they kept striving to find what would work and so they recommend telling our children to fail at something everyday - but never quit - success will find them - it grows character. - thank you Beth for introducing me to the quote by TB
The senior saints I know whose faces are the most serene are those whose life stories are laced with trauma and loss but who have, through faith, survived and become stronger. The reverse is also true. Those senior saints who are bitter and complaining have led more shallow lives where they blamed circumstances or others and held the grudges.
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