We/you are smarter and better than this
"Failure is not a permanent experience, you must rise above it and choose to be better than you were a moment ago. Changing and growing is what makes you win." therightmessages.com
This subject line is one of my soundbites for the current fiasco underway in Afghanistan. Again, I'll avoid the political banter which is unhealthy, especially as we morn the fallen and return to leadership. I've used this phrase before as a way to tell my organization that I still believed in it and its people. I used it on individuals to reinforce my trust in them.
Failure is always tough and when it happens, especially on a grand scale and it really tests leadership. Those who become irate and emotional can really destroy morale, even cause permanent damage. People may be reluctant to try new, innovative ideas or do anything risky. They may even avoid delivering bad news. Focusing on blame and holding a grudge is only a move backward. We must help our people and organizations move forward in growth.
I had faith in the organizations and people I led and they needed to know that. They were full of smart, capable people which allowed me to claim we were better than our failed performance. My job was to keep their spirits up, instill confidence, and help them learn and grow from their mistakes. Under the leaders who did this, I was extremely loyal. I never wanted to let them down.
Of course, any deliberate act, with malice and forethought, resulting in failure, would require some form of punishment, even the relief of individuals but rarely was this the case.
You are going to miss some targets. When failure occurs remember you are dealing with people and an organization which is fragile. Reinforcing your confidence in them, even at the moment of failure, will go a long way.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell