Culture Bytes: Exploring Failure - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

In this Solo Byte episode, Sue Tetzlaff discusses the impact of failure on future progress and workplace culture in the workplace in the context of organizations striving to achieve big goals. She explores the idea of “intelligent failure,” as coined by Amy Edmondson, where undesired results occur in new territory. Sue emphasizes the importance of appreciating the gain of what has been achieved and/or progress has been made even when falling short. As well, encouragement to gain the lessons when analyzing the gap between desired and actual outcomes. She highlights the negative consequences of a fear of failure, such as setting soft goals and avoiding discussions about failures. Sue encourages organizations to create a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity and fosters constructive conversations.

• Failure is a natural part of striving to achieve big goals in organizations.
• Intelligent failure refers to undesired results in new territory.
• It is important to appreciate the gain from where you started to where you progressed, even when you fall short of the desired results.
• Get curious about uncovering the lessons when there is a gap between desired and actual outcomes.
• A fear of failure can lead to setting soft goals and avoiding discussions about failures.
• Creating a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity is crucial for fostering continuous growth and improvement.