The Art of Failure: Embracing the Slips, Trips, and Falls in Leadership
In leadership, we often strive for perfection, aiming to avoid mistakes at all costs. However, embracing failure as a part of the journey can lead to profound growth and resilience. Understanding the different degrees of failure—slips, trips, and falls—can help us navigate these experiences with grace and learn valuable lessons along the way.
Slips: Small Missteps with Big Lessons
Slips are minor mistakes that can serve as wake-up calls. I remember taking on a new role at Conagra Brands, where I quickly realized that our human resources department was perceived poorly. The comment, “Going to HR for help is like getting an enema,” was a clear indicator of the work that lay ahead. Our team lacked clear strategies, goals, and operating norms.
By setting clear expectations and aligning our team with the broader organizational goals, we managed to turn things around. Slips taught us the importance of clarity and communication in leadership.
Trips: Losing Balance but Gaining Perspective
Trips are more significant disruptions that throw us off balance. One morning, I opened an email from a client’s CEO stating, “Nicole is stirring the pot. Fire her.” This was a major contract, and I was devastated. However, I realized the CEO was uncomfortable with the feedback I provided. He hired me to help improve his leadership, but the feedback hit too close to home.
After requesting a lunch meeting with him and his CAO, I acknowledged that our approach might have been too aggressive but reiterated his potential for growth. This trip taught me the value of maintaining trust and the importance of feedback, no matter how uncomfortable it might be.
Falls: Major Setbacks with Transformative Outcomes
Falls are significant failures that can feel like a complete collapse. My experience with a CEO and CRO who were involved in unethical activities was a major fall. Despite my best efforts to drive strategy and build a strong culture, their actions led to my position being eliminated.
While this experience was painful, it was also transformative. It made me realize the need to work for a company that valued my role and contributions. This fall pushed me to seek opportunities where I could lead transformational change and make a significant impact.
Embracing Failure in Leadership
1. Reframe Mistakes: Understand that every failure, whether a slip, trip, or fall, carries valuable lessons. Reflect on what each experience has taught you and how it has contributed to your growth.
2. Celebrate Failures: Just like at Big Canvas Improv, where we celebrate mistakes by shouting “I failed” and taking a bow, embrace your failures. This approach helps normalize failure and encourages a culture of continuous learning and resilience.
3. Practice Small Brave Moves: Leaders who make small brave moves recognize that failure is part of the journey. They understand that the path to success is not linear and that each misstep brings them closer to their goals.
4. Face It ‘Til You Make It: Instead of faking it, face your challenges head-on. Get up, work hard, fail, stand back up, and try again. Resilience is built through persistence and facing failures with courage.
5. Seek Feedback: Encourage and accept feedback, even when it’s difficult to hear. Honest feedback is crucial for growth and improvement.
Conclusion
Failures, whether minor slips, significant trips, or major falls, are integral to the leadership journey. Embracing these experiences with a mindset of learning and growth transforms setbacks into stepping stones for success.
Here’s to embracing the art of failure and becoming stronger, more resilient leaders!