Are you ‘out failing your competition’ as a Director?

Do you embrace failure or fear it? 

When I was in Afghanistan the extraordinary medical teams redefined the definition of a non-survivable injury. 

While I was there we cared for the 1st soldier who suffered a triple amputation. 

He was not expected to survive. With nothing to lose the incredible surgeons and anaesthetists took risks, embraced the risk and fear of failure and experimented with untested techniques to save him - he survived and is not a global inspirational speaker!

From that moment the fighting soldiers knew that suffering extreme traumatic catastrophic injuries was no longer a death sentence.

Sadly there were more who suffered such injuries….

However their chances of recovery and a favourable outcome increased day by day as medical advances continued as the medical team continued to push the boundaries of military surgery that is world renowned. 

This is clear evidence that success can arise from being curious and having the courage to fail in the most extreme and austere environments and circumstances.

How do you feel about failing your way to the right answer?

I had the pleasure and privilege to hear the awesome Steven Bartlett speak at a conference last October. 

He is so passionate about encouraging and measuring failure - so much so that he has a ‘Head of Experimentation’. Her role is to measure failure rates and as his book chapter in Diary of a CEO states ‘out fail the competition’. 

For me ‘failure’ is merely ‘feedback’! We cannot have innovation without it!

Those of you who know me well know that I swap the word ‘failure’ to ‘feedback’ as failure has such a negative connotation. 

After all failure creates feedback which creates knowledge. Knowledge is power if we act upon it. 💥 

Courage 

Having the courage to ‘fail’ is a crucial aspect of cultivating curiosity because it encourages such risk-taking and experimentation without fostering criticism or judgment. 

Furthermore, the willingness to fail is a hallmark of courageous leadership. 

In today’s fast-paced world, where risks are inherent in every decision, directors who fearlessly embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process create environments ripe for innovation. Taking calculated risks creates an opportunity for transformative growth, inspires your team to grow and pursue ambitious goals. They are more likely to explore innovative ideas and solutions. 

Therefore, as a director, demonstrating and encouraging the courage to fail contributes to creating an environment where curiosity thrives while minimising criticism, comparison or judgment.

The power of curiosity 

Embracing curiosity and the willingness to fail are essential traits for success, where uncertainty and change are constants as part of leadership. 

Curiosity serves as a driving force behind exploration, learning, and discovery. It empowers your team to question the status quo, explore new possibilities, and seek unconventional solutions through thinking creatively, challenging assumptions, and pushing boundaries.

Directors like you who foster a culture of where curiosity is welcomed and valued, empower their team members not only propel their teams towards innovation but also cultivate resilience and growth mindsets within their organisation.

Here are my 10 tips for embracing curiosity and the willingness to fail in leadership:

1️⃣ Foster a Culture of Curiosity: 

Encourage your team members to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas. Embrace curiosity as a driving force for innovation and growth within your organization.

2️⃣ Lead by Example: 

Demonstrate your own curiosity by seeking out new learning opportunities, experimenting with different approaches, and embracing uncertainty. Your team will follow your lead and feel empowered to do the same.

3️⃣ Encourage Risk-Taking: 

Create a safe space for your team members to take calculated risks and try new things. Emphasize that failure is not a setback but a valuable learning experience on the path to success.

4️⃣ Provide Support and Guidance: 

Offer guidance and support to team members who are exploring new ideas or initiatives. Help them navigate challenges and setbacks, and encourage them to persevere in the face of adversity.

5️⃣ Encourage and Celebrate ‘Failure’: 

Shift the narrative around failure by celebrating it as a natural part of the learning process. Highlight the lessons learned from failure and the opportunities it presents for growth and improvement.

6️⃣ Emphasise Continuous Learning: 

Invest in resources and opportunities for your team members to expand their knowledge and skills. Encourage them to seek out new learning experiences and pursue personal and professional development.

7️⃣ Create Space for Reflection: 

Foster a culture of reflection where team members can openly discuss their successes and failures. Encourage them to reflect on what worked well, what didn’t, and what they can learn from each experience.

8️⃣ Embrace Feedback: 

Welcome feedback from your team members and use it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Encourage open and honest communication, and be receptive to constructive criticism.

9️⃣ Stay Curious: 

Cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning and curiosity. Stay curious about new developments in your field, emerging trends, and innovative ideas. Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt and evolve as circumstances change.

1️⃣0️⃣ Lead with Resilience: 

Model resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. Demonstrate resilience by bouncing forward from the feedback from the ‘failure’, learning from mistakes, and moving forward with determination and optimism. Your resilience will inspire your team members to do the same.

So there you have it!

How are you going to be the ‘Head of Experimentation’ today?

Want to know more? 

Join me for my weekly Leaders Unleashed session. 

A different subject each week related to resilient, confident leadership with a great discussion and guess what? It’s my favourite number of FREE!!!

⏰ Every Wednesday 1230-1315 UK time

TOMORROW:  “How to be curious: Stop criticising, comparing and judging yourself!”

Click here to register for the Zoom link directly into your inbox: 

Wishing you a productive and empowering week ahead - no landmines allowed!

Overcome your inner war zone to find your victorious self! 

Take Care,

Lizzy

#resilience #confidence #leadership #curiosity