Learn from failure and improve

Like so many other teams worldwide the Baker Finn team became virtual overnight. For the past few months we have been working remotely, using daily skype calls to stay In touch. To be employed over these past months has left me feeling very lucky. Thankfully we have a steady client base that has not been shaken by this pandemic.

During this time it would have been easy to let team morale fall by the wayside, but it was not an issue for our team, we stayed connected by weekly quizzing and projects. A few weeks ago we were shipped out books to read with the objective of writing a report based on our findings which relate to recruitment. My book was “Make Your Bed” by William H. McRaven. This book focuses on a Navy Seal admiral and the lessons he learnt throughout his career from recruits to his time as a Special Operations Command in Iraq. The Lessons in this book not only apply to Recruitment but to everyday life. This is one of the best books I have ever read, I hope you enjoy my notes:

William McRaven – “Make Your Bed” Book Report

• The Mental tenacity required in navy seal training is required for recruitment and life in general, Bounce Back don’t take things to heart.
• One chapter in this book involves a brief story about a seal who was in his prime, he was injured in a hit and run and left paralysed. Not once did he complain during his recovery. He went on to become the head of U.S. Tri clubs. No matter how bad things are, your mind is the tool. Everything else is secondary. Train your mind to stay positive at all times.
• Teamwork- during “Hell Week” the seal recruits would spend hours running with a boat held over their heads, this exercise was to demonstrate teamwork. Alone the boat is too heavy to carry but as a team the weight is evenly distributed and easier to hold. Teamwork is key to the success of a team.
• Failure makes us stronger- failing means you are trying. In recruitment the more rejection I receive the more it runs off me. Failure makes you more determined. The lessons learnt from failure can be applied to all aspects of your life. Embrace the hard stuff in life, these situations are pushing you to be better. Learn from the failure and improve.
• If you’re doing something outside your comfort zone your learning. Even if you suck at it you’ve gained experience. Your becoming better with every attempt.
• Don’t be afraid of mistakes- they mean you’re trying and there all part of the journey to success.
• Believe in yourself enough to try.