"setbacks are to some extent necessary, the next question is how to manage them. How do you deal with the roughly 15.87 per cent of occasions when things don’t go to plan? The answer is not just to fail, but to fail well; some people fail better than others."
My reflections:
Setbacks are Inevitable Indeed, setbacks are inevitable in any journey towards success and growth. Embracing setbacks as learning opportunities signifies a resilient and mature human being.
Setbacks are Opportunities for Growth
Setbacks are not merely roadblocks or obstacles but opportunities for growth, learning, and development. They provide valuable feedback on what works and what doesn't and challenge individuals and organisations to reassess their strategies and approach. Without setbacks, there would be little room for improvement and innovation.
Setback Management helps us to be Intentional
The key next question is how to manage them. To be effective (either as a leader or a human being), we need to have a plan for managing setbacks when they occur. Leaders must be prepared to address challenges promptly, efficiently, and with a positive mindset. As a human being, avoiding or denying setbacks only amplifies their negative impact, making them harder to overcome.
The Answer is not just to fail but to Fail Well.
There is so much wisdom in this. Failing well means being able to extract lessons from the setback. It involves self-awareness, humility, and the willingness to acknowledge mistakes. Leaders who fail well understand that it's not about avoiding failure at all costs but rather learning from it and using that knowledge to make better decisions in the future.
Some people Fail Better than others
From my personal experience and observations. Some people fail better than others. Not everyone responds to setbacks in the same way. Some individuals might become demoralised, lose confidence, or give up after a setback, while others use the experience as a catalyst for growth. Those who fail better are the ones who possess a growth mindset. They view failure as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve.
Setbacks are Part of the Package
Setbacks are an inherent part of any leadership or life journey. The key lies in how we respond to these challenges. We can build a more resilient, adaptable, and successful organisation and life by embracing setbacks, learning from them, and failing well.
What's Next?
I recommend John C. Maxwell's ‘Failing Forward’ as a read. This is one book I read in my late 20s. John’s concept of failure and its potential for personal growth and success are insightful and practical. The book emphasises that failure is an inevitable part of life but doesn't have to be a negative experience. Instead, failure can be a valuable teacher and a stepping stone towards achieving one's goals.
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