Success: The Silent Teacher of Complacency and Overconfidence

After 25 years of professional experience, I've had the privilege (and ache) of witnessing the highs and lows of countless careers, including my own. One profound lesson stands out above all others: success teaches you nothing. Before you think I've lost my marbles, hear me out. This truth, though it may sound counterintuitive, has been one of my most valuable insights over the years regarding c level suite or managers, since it shows vulnerability, and no one wants to be a vulnerable?leader.

We are now in a world where no one likes to talk about failure. It's frowned upon, swept under the rug, and avoided at all costs. But here's the kicker: success only happens after we've failed various times. Think about it—every great innovation, every market breakthrough, every "overnight success" is usually built on a mountain of failures. We don't like to talk about our failures, we prefer the fast-forward version of how we hit the jackpot. ?However, I am convinced that if we encourage people to try out new things and we congratulate them instead of belittling and even punishing them for failure, the results for our businesses could be remarkable. This is how Unicorns are made—not by avoiding failure, but by embracing it. Tech and engineering are based on failure, “Fail quick” is their mantra.

Success, with all its glory and celebration, often creates an illusion of infallibility. When we succeed, we’re showered with praise, accolades, and the comforting notion that we've mastered our craft. But here's the twist: success can be a sneaky little son of a bitch. It lulls us into believing we have all the answers, leading to complacency. It blinds us to the areas where we still need growth, innovation, and adaptation. Basically, success is like that friend who tells you that you’re great just the way you are—sweet, but not particularly helpful when it comes to self-improvement.

On the other hand, failure is the brutally honest friend who tells you that you fucked up and you’ve got spinach in your teeth. It strips away our illusions and exposes our weaknesses, pushing us to confront our shortcomings head-on. Each failure is a lesson in humility, resilience, and perseverance. It forces us to ask tough questions: What went wrong? How can I improve? What can I learn from this experience?

Take, for instance, my career when I spearheaded a major initiative that ended up sinking faster than a lead balloon. The experience was humbling—ok, it was downright mortifying—but it led to a deep dive into the reasons for the failure. The insights gained from that post-mortem analysis were invaluable. They reshaped my approach to problem-solving, team collaboration, and risk management, laying the foundation for future successes. Plus, I got some great stories out of it. Even at a personal level, failures have taught me so much and made me who I am today.

Moreover, failure teaches us the importance of resilience. In the face of adversity, we learn to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and try again. It’s like learning to ride a bike—falling off is part of the process, and every scrape and bruise is a step toward mastery (even better if you are left with a scar). This resilience is crucial in a constantly evolving business landscape where change is the only constant. Yes, I must admit that sometimes it seems I am in the slow learners’ class, but all in all when faced with similar situations, the feeling and memory return, hoping that I don’t fuck up again.

Success, while satisfying, often closes our minds to new ideas. It reinforces the status quo and discourages risk-taking. In contrast, failure opens a world of possibilities. It encourages experimentation and fosters a culture where innovation thrives. It is in the crucible of failure that true leaders are forged, learning to navigate uncertainty and adapt to changing circumstances. Plus, it’s a great way to build character, right? Nothing says "character-building" like having to explain to your boss why your latest "brilliant" idea tanked.

So, while success is undoubtedly gratifying, it is a poor teacher. It lulls us into complacency and blinds us to our need for continual growth and adaptation. Failure, though painful, is a far more effective educator. It teaches us humility, resilience, and the drive to innovate. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is not only essential for personal growth but also for the long-term success of any organization. One thing that I have started doing is asking candidates about their failures, but not in a business environment, more on a personal level. It is quite an eye-opener into their personality. So, let’s not shy away from failure but rather see it as an integral part of the journey towards excellence—and maybe even laugh about it along the way. After all, if you’re not failing, you’re probably not trying hard enough!