Tag Failure

Learning from Leadership Failures

Steve Keating 1 Comment

Leaders have a particular condition that causes them to make mistakes… they are human beings. That’s not the worst part either; the worst part is that those mistakes can lead to failures. Worse yet, some of those leaders double up the failure by failing to learn from the mistake.

And that’s a terrible waste.

Authentic Leaders never waste a failure; they learn something from each one. They know that learning from leadership failures is one of the most valuable ways to grow as a leader. They understand that failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone to future success when handled correctly. Here’s a structured approach that many Authentic Leaders use to learn and grow from leadership setbacks.

1. Acknowledge the Failure (Own It)

Take responsibility: Avoid blaming others or external factors. Owning your mistakes shows accountability and integrity.

Understand the impact: Reflect on who was affected by the failure (your team, organization, or clients) and how.

2. Analyze What Went Wrong

Identify root causes: Was it a poor decision, a lack of preparation, a communication breakdown, or something else? Tools like root cause analysis or 5 Whys can help.

Seek feedback: Ask your team, mentors, or stakeholders for honest input. Sometimes, others see things you missed.

3. Extract Key Lessons

Look for patterns: Have similar mistakes happened before? If so, it may indicate a deeper issue (e.g., rushing decisions, micromanaging, or failing to delegate).

Identify the leadership skill gap: Determine which leadership qualities (e.g., empathy, communication, strategic thinking) you need to improve.

4. Develop a Plan for Growth

Set learning goals: For example, if the failure resulted from poor delegation, commit to improving that skill by reading books, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship.

Apply the lessons in real time: Take proactive steps to prevent similar mistakes and implement changes based on what you have learned.

5. Communicate Openly and Transparently

Be honest with your team: Share what you’ve learned and how you plan to do better. This builds trust and shows your willingness to grow.

Encourage a culture of learning from failure: When leaders model openness about their own failures, it encourages the team to do the same.

6. Build Resilience

Focus on your mindset: Learn to see failure as feedback rather than defeat. Resilience helps leaders bounce back stronger after setbacks.

Maintain long-term vision: Don’t let one failure define your leadership journey. Keep the big picture in mind.

7. Celebrate the Comeback

Recognize progress: Once you have turned things around or successfully avoided repeating the same mistake, take time to acknowledge the growth.

Share your story: Talking about how you turned failure into a lesson can inspire and empower others on their leadership journeys.

Example in Action

Imagine a leader launches a major project that fails due to unclear communication and unrealistic timelines. By reflecting and gathering feedback, they realize they didn’t properly involve the team in planning. They then take steps to improve communication, adjust project timelines, and create a culture where team input is valued.

In leadership, failures are inevitable. But what separates great leaders from the rest is their ability to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward. What’s a leadership failure you have seen (or experienced), and what lessons came out of it?

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a donation!

Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.

But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for your support!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

Learning from Failure

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I am most certainly not a fan of failure. I have read a ton about failure and how beneficial failing can be. Things like, “failure shows you’re trying” and “failures are just stepping stones to success.”

Let’s be really clear about this absolute truth regarding failure… success beats failure every single day. If I’m succeeding then I don’t need to prove I’m trying. If I’m successful then I don’t need any damn stepping stones. I’ll just skip the stepping stones and make the leap to even greater success.

Given the choice, I’ll take succeeding over failing every chance I get.

But, no one succeeds all the time. Even people recognized as the best at what they do often endure frequent failures on their way to the top. Even at the top they continue to experience failure on occasion.

Ultimately, the difference between continual failure and eventual success comes down to learning from our failures. Learning from failure is a superpower that can help you grow, both personally and professionally. If you’re willing to learn from your failures, then you can make those failures temporary. If you’re not willing to learn from them, then buckle up because you’re in for a rough ride through life.

I’ll assume that you’re willing to learn from your failures and that being the case, here are some steps to help you make the most of setbacks and prevent them from becoming permanent failures.

1. Accept Failure: It’s a part of life, not a reflection of your worth. Don’t ignore it!

2. Analyze What Happened: Take a deep look and figure out what went wrong. Was it because you weren’t prepared, or was it something else?

3. Identify Key Lessons: Think about what you learned from the experience. Did you learn something about time management, resource allocation, or communication?

4. Adjust Your Approach: Use the lessons you learned to change your methods. Treat each attempt as a step forward, not an end.

5. Maintain a Growth Mindset: See failure as feedback. It’s not the opposite of success; it’s part of the journey. Stay persistent and keep going!

6. Take Responsibility Without Self-Blame: Own your part in the failure. Be kind to yourself and don’t be too hard on yourself.

7. Test and Experiment: Try again and see what works better. Use small experiments to test different approaches before committing fully.

8. Celebrate Progress: Celebrate even small steps forward to stay motivated. Appreciate the courage it takes to keep going, despite setbacks.

I can’t imagine failure ever being an enjoyable experience, but by using these ideas, failure can become a valuable learning experience that sets you up for greater success in the future.

Learning from failure is a choice, successful people make that choice; less successful people generally do not. Which one will you be?

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a donation!
I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

Failure isn’t final… unless you allow it to be.

Steve Keating 2 Comments

There has been so much stuff written about failure that I hesitate to add to the pile. Motivational wisdom says that failure is part of success. Failing is a great way to learn. Failing just means you’re trying. It’s all great stuff.

Except, I’d prefer success without failure. I think there are more fun ways to learn than failing. And I’d especially hope people can tell I’m trying even if I’m not failing.

I do not like any part of failing, and I highly highly recommend you do everything you can to avoid it.

But, you knew there had to be a but, sooner or later you will fail. I know that because sooner or later, everyone fails. It’s my belief that it’s what happens after you “fail” that determines if it was really a failure. No matter how small the “failure” or how big, the simplest way to prevent it from really being a failure is to start again.

But starting over after a failure can be challenging. The good news is, it actually is also an opportunity for growth and improvement. I’m a big believer in the adage, “if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” But I only believe that if your next try includes a better plan.

Here’s how to develop a better plan next time.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

• Accept Your Emotions: It’s natural to feel disappointed, frustrated, or sad after a failure. Acknowledge these emotions rather than suppressing them. It’s even okay to be mad…for a short period of time.

• Reflect: Take some time to reflect on what happened. Understanding your feelings can help you process the experience and move forward.

2. Analyze the Failure

• Identify the Causes: Look at what went wrong. Was it a lack of preparation, a wrong strategy, or external factors?

• Learn from Mistakes: Identify lessons you can learn from the failure. Every setback has valuable insights that can prevent future failures.

3. Set New Goals

• Re-evaluate Your Objectives: Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps.

• Be Specific: Define clear, specific goals. This helps you stay focused and motivated.

4. Develop a Plan

• Create a Strategy: Outline the steps you need to take to achieve your new goals. Include timelines and milestones.

• Seek Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from mentors, friends, or professionals who can offer guidance and support.

5. Stay Positive

• Maintain a Positive Mindset: Cultivate optimism. Believe in your ability to succeed and view setbacks as temporary obstacles.

• Surround Yourself with Support: Engage with positive, supportive people who encourage you to keep going.

6. Take Action

• Start Small: Begin with small steps to build momentum and regain confidence.

• Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Keep working towards your goals, even when progress appears slow.

7. Monitor Your Progress

• Track Your Achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments, no matter how small. This helps you stay motivated.

• Adjust as Needed: Be flexible and willing to adjust your plan if things aren’t working out as expected.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

• Acknowledge Progress: Celebrate your successes, no matter how minor. This reinforces your motivation and commitment.

• Reward Yourself: Give yourself rewards for achieving milestones. This can boost your morale and encourage you to keep going.

9. Keep Learning

• Continue Learning: Always look for opportunities to learn and grow. You can do it through reading, taking courses, or gaining new experiences. Continuous learning is crucial.

Starting over after a setback is a process that takes time and effort. But in many ways it’s true that those setbacks can make the ultimate success even sweeter. These nine ideas can turn what you thought was a failure into a stepping stone for future success.

So step forward, step up, and succeed!

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider buying my next Diet Coke(s)
Yes, I know it’s not the healthiest stuff to drink, but I kind of sort of live on the stuff… and the stuff is getting as expensive as gold. 😋
I’d appreciate any support but seriously, support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

How to Overcome Fear

Steve Keating 4 Comments

Our mind can play all kinds of tricks on us. It can fool us into believing things that aren’t true and disbelieving things that are. The “experts” say the only place fear exists is in our minds. I’m not so sure about that, it seems very real to me at times.

But then I think about watching a scary movie and jumping out of my seat as if the scary thing can get to me. Obviously, that kind of fear is only in my mind. The experts say there is no other kind of fear, it’s all in our mind.

I’ve often heard it said that courage is not the absence of fear, it’s moving forward despite the fear. When you ask courageous people how they overcame their fear they will frequently respond with some sort of comment about blocking it out of their mind.

So there you go… fear indeed seems to be a mind thing. No matter how real it seems.

But blocking fear from you mind is far easier said than done. When we manage to pull it off however, it’s pretty darn rewarding. Here are some strategies that can help us stop fear from damaging our progress towards success.

• Understand Your Fear: Take some time to identify what exactly you’re afraid of and why. Understanding the root cause of your fear can help you address it more effectively. You may even figure out on your own that your fear is indeed a mere mirage.

• Educate Yourself: Sometimes fear stems from ignorance or misunderstanding. Educating yourself about the object of your fear can help demystify it and make it less intimidating.

• Face Your Fear Gradually: Instead of avoiding what you fear, try facing it in small, manageable steps. Gradual exposure can desensitize you to the fear over time. You’ll be surprised how well this works, so surprised that you may wonder why you ever let fear take hold in the first place.

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Fear often feeds on negative thoughts and beliefs. Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself if they’re rational or if there’s evidence to support them. If there’s no evidence then you’ll know your mind is tricking you.

• Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends or family for support. Talking about your fears with others can help you gain perspective and find solutions.

• Visualize Success: Spend some time visualizing yourself overcoming your fear and achieving your goals. This can help build confidence and motivation. For a long time I thought this visualization stuff was all mumble jumble. But I’ve met a heck of a lot of very successful people who swear by it.

• Set Realistic Goals: Set small, achievable goals for yourself related to overcoming your fear. Celebrate your progress along the way to keep yourself motivated.

• Stay Persistent: Overcoming fear is often a gradual process that requires persistence and determination. Keep pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, even if progress feels slow at times.

Remember that everyone experiences fear at some point in their lives. It’s a normal part of being human. The key is not to let fear control you or hold you back from living the life you want.

Defeat Isn’t Bitter…Unless

Steve Keating 3 Comments

Defeat is only bitter if you choose to swallow it. Sooner or later everyone who tries something new to improve their lot in life will experience failure. Trying anything is a risk and the fact is, the more we are willing to risk the more we will fail. Defeat, at least occasionally, is inevitable. 

The people who eventually turn out to be the most successful are the ones who viewed their early defeats as part of the process of achieving ultimate success. They accepted the defeat, learned from it and moved on. 

Learning from a failure or defeat is essential to ultimate success. Truly successful people do not endlessly repeat the same mistakes. They keep the lesson from the mistake top of mind but they let go of the mistake itself. They linger on the mistake only long enough to be certain it’s not going to show up again. Once that certainty exists the mistake is quickly forgotten. 

People who refuse to swallow the bitterness of defeat do not blame others for their failure. They analyze what worked, what didn’t, why it didn’t and then they accept responsibility to make whatever changes are required to avoid repeating the same mistake. They may make new ones but they understand that even new mistakes indicate a level of progress. 

People who succeed despite the occasional defeat keep their emotions in check. They don’t get too excited by a win and they don’t get too low from a loss. Defeats simply build their resolve to try harder next time. Defeat spurs them on to develop a better plan for the next attempt and provides them energy to implement the better plan. 

People who refuse to swallow the bitter pill of defeat consistently validate themselves. They remind themselves that even champions rarely go undefeated. While they accept responsibility for what went wrong they don’t wear failure like anchor. They remind themselves of past successes and the failures it took to achieve it.

They know they can succeed. They believe in themselves. They trust themselves. They push themselves. They hold themselves accountable. They know they are a product of the decisions they make and the decisions they don’t. They know mistakes of omission are as costly as mistakes of commission so they take action even when the outcome is uncertain. 

When you start tasting the bitterness of defeat spit it out. Spit it out, a take a sip of a new, fresh tasting idea that helps you change direction towards success.

Like most things in life swallowing defeat is a choice to be made…or not. 

Choose not!

The Enemy Within a Me

Steve Keating 7 Comments

People get frustrated with me when I tell them that it’s very likely the greatest obstacle to success they face is themselves. 

They tell me I don’t understand, but I do. They tell me I don’t know, but I do. They tell me I don’t know how tough it can be “out there,” but I do. 

I also know that in any situation where I’ve struggled to advance or accomplish a goal my greatest enemy was within me. That enemy slowed down my progress. My doubts about my own abilities prevented me from moving forward. Those doubts opened the door to my true enemy which was fear of failure. 

Despite the compliments I get about my speaking ability, the things I write and other stuff I do, I know this undeniable truth about myself…overall I’m a pretty average person. I don’t say that about myself in a bad way, in fact my “averageness” is one of my greatest strengths. It helps me relate to the people I’m trying to help. 

That’s why I can say with a high degree of confidence, I do understand, I do know. 

I also know my main enemy is within a me! 

I know the best way for me to block that enemy is to believe in myself. People who believe in themselves are pretty darn near impossible to stop. When YOU believe in yourself you are pretty much unstoppable.

Believing in yourself leaves no room for doubt. Without doubt to open the door fear has no way into your head. 

Any battle is halfway won when when your enemy within is kept away. Obstacles become opportunities when the enemy within you can’t mess with your head. 

So the next time doubt starts to creep into your thoughts you need to immediately ask yourself,  “is this an actual problem, or is this the enemy within a me just tearing down my confidence?”

If you’re average like me, and most of you are, (see, that’s how “average” works) you’ll know it’s the enemy within. You should also know you can defeat it by ignoring it. I know that if you believe in yourself you will be unstoppable. 

I know that about you cause I know that about me. I’ll never let the enemy within a me make me doubt my ability and neither you should you.

Why Are You Hesitating?

Steve Keating 5 Comments

There are many things that can limit a person’s ability to lead. Hesitating when action is required is one of the more common characteristics of weak leadership. 

 

There is rarely a perfect time to act. If you wait for that perfect time when all the stars are aligned and every conceivable obstacle has been removed then it’s likely you’ll never act at all. Sitting still makes it impossible to go anywhere so unless you’re already exactly where you want to be you better do something.

 

Some leaders hesitate because they are afraid of risk. Well here’s the deal…risk is mandatory if success and growth are your goals. The legendary Randy Gage (if he’s not a legend he should be) wrote a book in 2013 called “Risky is the New Safe.” The title pretty much says it all. I highly recommend this book if you’re struggling to take the leap of trying something new. It’s available on Amazon for under 10 bucks but it’s value remains priceless. 

 

The fact is the riskiest thing you can do in almost any situation is nothing. Yet nothing is what way too many people in leadership positions do when action is called for. That’s a direct path to failure.

 

Limited leaders also hesitate because they know that they need help yet they refuse to ask for it. They see acknowledging that they need help as a sign of weakness. Even the biggest most powerful trains sometimes need an extra engine to get going. Perhaps you need a boost too. It’s not a weakness to ask for help, it is in fact a sign of strength. If you need help ask anyone and everyone until you have the help you need to succeed.

 

Many failed leaders procrastinated past their window of opportunity. They may have convinced themselves that they were being patient. They were really hiding in their comfort zones waiting for the opportunity to pass. Their belief is that if you didn’t try then you cannot fail. They didn’t realize that their failure to try was their biggest failure of all. 

 

Patience is the acceptance that things can happen in a different order than you had in mind. When you don’t know what to do next just do the next right thing. The “order” of things will work themselves out if you keep doing the next right thing. 

 

Joseph Addison said “He who hesitates is lost.” He said that in 1713. I’m thinking life moved a little slower back then. Today that phrase might be updated to say, “if you even think about thinking about hesitating you have zero chance to succeed.”


Business and life in general move so fast these days that not only do you lose if you hesitate, you’re not even in the game.