Don't Mention The F Word – Waking Giants

The Lone Leader Weekly

13th September 2023

If you do not embrace failure, you will never taste success.

Why Lone Leaders Fear Failure And Why You Shouldn’t

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

In the business world, there’s a particular ‘F word’ that many dread to utter – Failure. Despite being an integral aspect of the entrepreneurial journey, failure is taboo, shrouded in shame and secrecy. Why do many lone leaders and entrepreneurs shy away from discussing it? And more importantly, how does this reluctance impact our ability to succeed in the long run?

The Unspoken Taboo

The business landscape celebrates stories of triumphs. From Fortune 500 companies to startups that made it big, success stories dominate headlines. But behind each of these success tales, there are countless instances of failures, missteps, and lessons learned. Yet, these seldom make it to the limelight.

It’s ironic. Most seasoned entrepreneurs will admit, in private at least, that their failures were the stepping stones to their successes. These failures provided invaluable lessons, resilience, and insights. So, why the hesitance in talking about them?

Ego and Fear of Judgment

Ego plays a massive part in this conundrum. Lone Leaders, especially in their nascent stages, often feel the need to project an image of invincibility. Admitting to mistakes or misjudgments can be seen as a sign of weakness. There’s an innate fear of being judged – by peers, investors, stakeholders, and even oneself.

The ecosystem, driven by social media and real-time news, creates an added layer of pressure. Every step a business takes, especially the missteps, is documented, analyzed, and often criticized. Under such scrutiny, it’s unsurprising that businesses opt for a façade of perfection.

The Essentiality of Embracing Failure

While the reasons for the reluctance are understandable, they come at a significant cost. By not addressing and learning from failures:

1. Stifling Innovation: Lone Leaders who fear failure often hesitate to take risks. And without risks, innovation remains a distant dream. After all, the most groundbreaking innovations come from daring to venture into the unknown.
2. Inhibiting Growth: Lone Leaders miss out on valuable insights that can shape future strategies by not admitting and analysing mistakes. Each failure provides data, helping refine the approach for better results.
3. Creating a Toxic Work Culture: If leaders aren’t open about their failures, it sends a message down the ranks that mistakes aren’t tolerated. This can foster a culture where employees hide their mistakes, leading to a lack of accountability and transparency.

Redefining The Narrative

So, how do we change this? How do we shift from shunning failure to embracing it?

1. Celebrate Failures: Just as we celebrate successes, it’s vital to acknowledge and learn from our failures. This doesn’t mean one should aim to fail but rather to understand that it’s a natural part of the business cycle.
2. Encourage Transparency: Foster an environment where employees feel safe to discuss their mistakes. By doing so, the organization can collectively learn and adapt.
3. Realign Perceptions with Investors and Stakeholders: Open dialogue with investors and stakeholders about challenges faced can lead to collaborative problem-solving. It portrays the business as one that’s mature, adaptable, and resilient.

As counterintuitive as it might seem, failure is a business friend. It’s a strict, no-nonsense mentor that teaches lessons no success story can. And while it’s essential to aim for success, it’s equally crucial to understand, acknowledge, and learn from failures.

By doing so, we set ourselves up for tangible business successes and cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and growth. After all, in the eloquent words of Winston Churchill, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

So, the next time someone mentions the ‘F word’ in business, let’s engage, reflect, and propel ourselves forward with newfound wisdom instead of shying away.

And if you need a little help, join the free Lone Leader App here.

Until next week, take the L and move on.

G.

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