The 7 Dwarfs of Failure!

There are multiple ways we can fail. Here are seven, drawn from some fairytale characters.

Who They Are

You are likely?familiar?with the 1937 Disney movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

That animated movie was similar to a story entitled "Keeper of the Dwarfs" from an 1812 collection of fairytales.

It was Disney that gave names to the?dwarfs that we recognize today: Dopey, Bashful, Sleepy, Grumpy, Sneezy, Happy, and Doc.

Given the personalities developed for the Disney movie, here are some ways we can fail.

But, fail where? Well, in relationships or in our career for starters!

7 Ways to Fail

Based on those seven movie?characters, here are seven ways to fail. We can be:

1). Dopey - Clueless, na?ve, and childlike.

2). Bashful - Afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

3). Sleepy - Disengaged and unmotivated.

4). Grumpy - Perpetually negative; overbearing.

5). Sneezy - Neglectful of our health; no self-care.

6). Happy - Perpetually and unrealistically positive.

7). Doc - Overly analytical; detached; bossy.?

Now, here's the bad news. We can have more than one of these problematic life outlooks at the same time!

For example, I can be a glass-half-full pessimist who is excessively analytical.

Perhaps you know several of these individuals. One of them may be on your team,?or be a direct report!

How Do We Get There?

Ok, now I recognize some of my weak spots.

But, how did I get to this point in my career or in the relationship?

Actually, we get there several ways. For example:

1). Dopey - No learning; accept everything as given.

2). Bashful - Unwilling to take a risk; play it safe.

3). Sleepy - Stop trying; view life as uncontrollable.

4). Grumpy - Deliberate choice to see the bad.

5). Sneezy - Overcommitted; careless.

6). Happy - Ignore warnings; simply plow ahead.

7). Doc - Lacking basic empathy for others.

Note that when we lack a growth mindset, we don't learn. We don't believe the risks of growth are worth it.

Similarly, we ignore warnings when we lack foresight. And, we lack empathy when the only thing that matters is meeting the KPI's.

When we lack a growth mindset, we don't learn. We don't believe the risks of growth are worth it.

Where Do We Go From Here?

So, I recognize one or more problem areas in my life. And, I have some idea of the contributing factors.

Now what?

Don't overlook the obvious,?such as:

Be committed to growth. Recognize the value of realistic optimism. Find a mentor. Or two. Hold yourself accountable, but expect the transition to take some time.

See yourself as others see you. How so? By considering a 360 or similar evaluation to help you understand how others perceive your strengths and weaknesses.

Recognize how others are influencing you. That means you may need to change locations to get away from the hopeless cases around you!

Most critically, don't be like Snow White who believed "someday my prince will come." Instead, be proactive. Take responsibility for the outcomes in your life!

What Are My Choices?

The choices here are rather stark.

First, you can, like Snow White, continue to live in the woods of failure and underperformance. Or, second, you can grow your way out of that situation!

Certainly these seven are not an inclusive list of career wreckers. What would you add to this list?