The dark clouds of failure always have a silver lining

Organisations should not fear failure as much as the lack of initiative among their employees to try out new ideas

Throughout history, achievers have all experienced failure before achieving success. However, in organisations, where failure is viewed in an extremely negative light, the wisdom of viewing failure as a teacher and, ultimately, the harbinger of success, can be shunned. In such organisations, employees prefer to ‘play it safe’ and repeat their safe choices. Though this approach does not result in failure, it doesn’t result in success either.

Fear of failure can be terrifying for some employees. Failure can mean losing face in front of your peers and seniors, loss of better opportunities and sometimes, termination. This no-failure culture means employees would prefer to seal their lips at a brainstorming session than have reputations risked. When this lack of contribution occurs on a company-wide scale, the organisation is at risk for innovation deficit.

Organisations, however, need to understand that failure at the workplace need not necessarily be a bad thing. Embracing failure leads to higher productivity and confident employees. And when an organisation starts to reward employees for trying out new ideas, even the ones that fail, employees become willing to take risks and make breakthroughs. Employees are then encouraged to share and implement innovative ideas without the fear of consequences.

Experience is the best teacher; and learning from failure is one of the key takeaways. One can use failure as an opportunity to take a step back, analyse and re-evaluate the decisions taken. This attitude towards failure allows organisations and employees to be prepared for a similar instance in the future and ensure that such mistakes are not repeated.

Embracing failure is also a great way to improve engagement and cooperation within the company. When a team is encouraged to stop worrying about failure, they feel more at ease when voicing out ideas, sometimes considered whacky. Employees learn to think big, and bring in that crucial element essential at brainstorming sessions – out-of-the-box thinking.

This culture of creativity and competence will bring success in the long run. Employees who have played it safe will be pushed out of their comfort zones and forced to do better. Good, proficient employees will be motivated to dig deeper and think harder.

Successful embrace of failure not only requires a change in performance management metrics and reward policies and practices, but also requires a radical mindset change for many. Depending on the work ethic, an organisation can decide how to reward failures. Words of encouragement in the presence of coworkers and seniors are motivating. Some organisations even prefer financial incentives, bonuses and special privileges for bold and daring ideas.

“Failure and defeat are life’s greatest teachers.” This has never been truer. Embracing the possibility of failure will keep the creative juices flowing and the experience will allow the team to grow personally and professionally from it. Employees who have experienced failure the first time are more likely to focus on the process, rather than the outcome the second time, and achieve better results.

(Sujatha Saha is senior director, Human Resources, Manhattan Associates India)

Sources: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-opportunities/the-dark-clouds-of-failure-always-have-a-silver-lining/article8043205.ece