by Gayle Lantz 
In business, we’re taught you have to take a leap of faith to get reward.
Yet, research shows that people like to make decisions based on what they can see or predict. In today’s business climate, that’s a challenge.
Like it or not, your business may be forced to test new waters or move in new directions. You may not be entirely ready, but you don’t have time to wait. It’s a risk. Something could fail if you act…or if you don’t!
Give Employees Room to Fail
Sometimes we learn more from failure than success. I’ve heard too many employees talk about being burned when they tried something new, and their efforts didn't work. They listened to the “false messages” from their companies: “Try something new.” “We want to be entrepreneurial.” “Take a risk.” “Be cutting edge.”
Unfortunately, some of these people are afraid to stick their neck out again and challenge the status quo.
People are the key to resilience in any business. Help them be ready for anything.
Here are a few leadership tips to help others (or yourself) make the most of failure:
- Help employees learn by reflecting on the experience and commit to new action. Ask, “What did you learn?” and “What will you do differently?”
- Tell them about a time when you failed, and volunteer what you learned from the experience. (I’m sure you’ve got a few stories to tell, as I do.) You’ll build rapport.
- Minimize their risk of future failure. Provide adequate support, training, coaching, communication, resources, structure, etc.
- Help them go out on a limb again. If the limb breaks, expect them to fly. Your expectation sets the probability for their success.
To secure your success, be fearless about failure.
Build your resilience as you forge new paths and open new opportunities in your business. Your path to success may be determined by finding new ways to fail.
Make your leap!
On the Lighter Side
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. ~ Thomas Edison
Leadership Resource
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My new book, Take the Bull by the Horns: The Busy Leader's Action Guide to Growing Your Business…and Yourself, is a great leadership tool to help you overcome obstacles to achieve your biggest business and personal goals.
Order the print copy and/or audio program today to help you and your team take charge!
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