Everyone makes mistakes. Some blunders are bigger than others, but all come dressed in a lesson or an important takeaway. The idea of viewing mistakes and failures as opportunities to grow and as springboards to propel future success is now a part of popular culture.
Focus on the things you can control (your reaction and subsequent behavior) and worry less about stuff that lies outside of your control (outcomes). Pay attention when it really matters (live in the hear and now) and like both of you say, write it down in detail, review it occasionally, and if I may recommend one more step - talk to somebody else about, find someone you can teach/mentor.
Excellent post! Only a vulnerable leader, though, will do as you so well describe: honestly assess their role in the mistake, setback or failure. Otherwise, other people, the circumstances surrounding the mistake, timing, whatever will be blamed, and the opportunity to learn gone. I like your suggestion to write the lessons learned down, not the mistake. While I have filed away in my head many of my learnings from my mistakes throughout my career, I of course don't remember them all. What a great personal leader development tool--keeping a journal of lessons learned. Thanks.
Not all mistakes lead to failures. Not all failures result from mistakes. Writing down lessons from both is a great idea.
Experimenting with a new business model and going all in when your poker hand is four kings are not mistakes but I have had failures in both cases.
I have also made mistakes in pricing models in my favor and won the business anyway. A true mistake without a failure.
Kaizen and lifelong learning, combined with my maxim of “write it down” is the way to go.
Focus on the things you can control (your reaction and subsequent behavior) and worry less about stuff that lies outside of your control (outcomes). Pay attention when it really matters (live in the hear and now) and like both of you say, write it down in detail, review it occasionally, and if I may recommend one more step - talk to somebody else about, find someone you can teach/mentor.
Although I assume it was a typo I love “live in the hear and now”. !
In others words, be present and listen attentively. More good advice.
Yep, just a typical. I wish I was that crafty.
Excellent post! Only a vulnerable leader, though, will do as you so well describe: honestly assess their role in the mistake, setback or failure. Otherwise, other people, the circumstances surrounding the mistake, timing, whatever will be blamed, and the opportunity to learn gone. I like your suggestion to write the lessons learned down, not the mistake. While I have filed away in my head many of my learnings from my mistakes throughout my career, I of course don't remember them all. What a great personal leader development tool--keeping a journal of lessons learned. Thanks.
Another great article. Experiential learning is one of the nine directions of my self awareness compass and feedback is one of the enablers!!!