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CEO POV: Embracing Failure

Writer's picture: Derek RusherDerek Rusher

Welcome back!


I wanted to dive into a topic that often gets overlooked in leadership discussions: failure. As leaders, we're expected to inspire, achieve, and possibly be perfect, but we must also acknowledge that failure is an inevitable part of growth and success. I want to share why failing is not just acceptable but essential in our journey as leaders.


Failing Forward


In our exploration of leadership through CEO POV, we've covered various aspects of what it takes to lead effectively. From creativity to commitment, collaboration, change, communication, and overcoming adversity, we've seen how each challenge shapes us as leaders. Now, let's embrace the notion that failure is not a setback but a stepping stone towards greater achievements. There's a saying that luck is manifested from hard work, and it holds true in leadership. Failure is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our willingness to take risks and push boundaries. Just as athletes refine their skills through trial and error, leaders must learn from their missteps and adapt their strategies for future success. 50% from the 3-point line makes you an elite basketball player. A .400 average in baseball is considered a standard of hitting excellence. So why do we feel we need to make every shot or bat for 1000 when we are leading?


I often think back to my days as an athlete and how every missed shot or lost game taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and resilience. Similarly, in business and leadership, failing is just the first attempt in learning – an opportunity to refine our approaches, innovate, and ultimately achieve greater results.


Lessons from Past Blogs


Reflecting on our journey through the Five C's of Leadership and beyond, we see how each principle prepares us to navigate failures:


- Creativity: Experimenting with new ideas that may not always pan out.

- Commitment: Staying dedicated even when outcomes fall short.

- Collaboration: Learning from team insights and shared experiences.

- Change: Embracing failures as catalysts for necessary adjustments.

- Communication: Transparently addressing setbacks and rallying the team forward.


Embracing Risk and Resilience


As leaders, we must foster a culture where taking calculated risks is encouraged, and failure is viewed as a natural part of innovation. It's through these experiences that we build resilience, learn to pivot, and discover new opportunities for growth. Remember, failing doesn't mean the end; it's a chance to regroup, rethink, and come back stronger. I say this often when I'm joking around but I also know, subconsciously, that it's okay to fail, "What could possibly go wrong?" Without that saying, you can't have a culture that tries new things and then you are back to a culture of, "We've always done it that way."


Action Items for Embracing Failure


Here are a few strategies to turn failures into stepping stones:


1. Reflect and Learn: Analyze what went wrong and extract lessons for future endeavors.

2. Adapt and Innovate: Use failures as inspiration for creative solutions and fresh approaches.

3. Encourage Risk-Taking: Foster a supportive environment where team members feel empowered to take risks and learn from failures.

4. Lead by Example: Demonstrate resilience and optimism in the face of setbacks, inspiring your team to persevere.


Conclusion: Growing Stronger


Failure is not something to fear but a necessary part of our journey toward success. As leaders, embrace failures as opportunities to learn, grow, and ultimately lead with greater wisdom and resilience. Redefine failure as the first attempt in learning and continue striving for excellence.


Thank you for joining me on this reflection through CEO POV. Here's to failing forward and achieving even greater heights.


Thanks for reading.


Derek

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Paid for by: Derek Rusher for NPPD

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