Failure: The Secret to Leadership Growth?

Failure really??

Recent studies have shed new light on the importance of embracing failure in leadership. Here are the key findings and what they mean for leaders and organizations striving for growth and innovation.

Amy Edmondson’s The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well emphasizes that not all failures are created equal.

Edmondson categorizes failures into:

• Basic
• Complex
• Intelligent

Each offering different learning potentials. Basic failures are preventable and unproductive, while complex and intelligent failures, though inevitable, are rich with insights and opportunities for growth (Edmondson, 2023) (Harvard Business School) (Workplace Psychology) (Positive Orgs).

Edmondson’s research shows that intelligent failures, which occur in new and uncharted territories, are critical for innovation. These failures are directed towards meaningful opportunities, informed by prior knowledge, and kept as small as possible to mitigate risks.

For instance, a study at NASA on pilot fatigue illustrated how repeated, complex failures led to improved teamwork and safety protocols in air travel (Edmondson, 2023) (Workplace Psychology)(MBA Reads).

Reflecting on my own experiences as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of reframing failure.

Leaders who view failure as a learning opportunity foster more innovative and adaptive cultures. At VAST Coaching, we integrate these findings into our approach, resulting in more resilient and high-performing teams.

Here are the key takeaways from these studies:

• Increased Innovation: Embracing intelligent failures can lead to significant innovations.
• Reduced Risk: Minimizing unproductive failures by being well-prepared and informed.
• Better Decision-Making: Using systems thinking to make well-rounded decisions that consider long-term impacts.

"Fallibility is a part of who we are. Self-awareness and humility are key to leveraging it," says Amy Edmondson.

To implement these findings, start by assessing your current approach to failure. Encourage a culture of psychological safety where team members can speak up about errors and experiment without fear. Incorporate regular review sessions to analyze failures and extract valuable lessons.

By leveraging these research-backed strategies, leaders can create a healthier, more productive work environment. Start integrating the principles of failing well into your leadership practices today.

Want to learn more about the benefits of embracing failure in leadership? Visit VAST Coaching for detailed strategies and personalized support.

Edmondson, A. (2023). The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well. New York, NY: Atria Books. Retrieved from Simon & Schuster.