Own the failure, it is the best (though not the most pleasant) opportunity to learn.
Alin Popescu
Executive Search and Leadership Advisory EMEA - Partner at DHR International
November 2013
The NZ All Blacks are writing yet another page in the rugby history, attempting to become the only rugby team in the professional era to have a perfect season by winning all 14 test matches.
But Ireland is keen to upset them and deny that by winning the last match of the year. And doing a great job, leading 19-0 at the 25th minute mark. A remarkable comeback by the Kiwis sees them trailing 22-17 with one minute to go. With Ireland failing to keep the ball for one more minute, the All Blacks build for 4'10", put another 7 points on the board in the overtime and leave the whole Ireland devastated. You can watch that here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV5zndjlv7w
Fast forward to February 2018.
Ireland is chasing the Six Nations title and they face Les Bleus at Stade de France, the French leading 13-12 with two minutes left.
Over the next 5'20" Ireland is building through 41 phases of play to allow Johnny Sexton score 3 points with a monster drop goal and close the score board at 13-15, paving their way for a Grand Slam and for winning the Triple Crown. Watch here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOjF6rRRHWQ
What happened in between these two games?
For almost five years they got obsessed with the 4'10" that lost them the All Blacks game. At the end of each training session, they were training to defend for 4'10" or keep the ball for 4'10" or doing fitness drills for 4'10". Obsessed with dealing with adversity for 4'10"
And that came to fruition on that day in Paris, creating a very special moment for the team and the fans and fueling them to win an amazing season.
In the end, it's not the failure that counts but how you deal with it.
Principal Transport Advisor at European Investment Bank (EIB)
4 年Great perspective Alin.
Global Chief Marketing Officer | Marketing & Growth Advisor
4 年Love the focus and tenacity of the team...taking the failure and making it a rallying cry. Thanks for sharing, Alin.
Leading global customer excellence at Henkel Consumer Brands together with strong sales, e-commerce and commercial excellence teams to drive profitable growth through guiding, expertise sharing, upskilling and enabling
4 年Very good one Alin! Winning makes us feel good; but it doesn't make us to self-reflect and improve. It's good to lose. It builds character, shows us how to keep on when its tough, and teaches you to be stronger. As Mandela says: I never lose; I either win or learn...