Failure is a tough but invaluable (and inevitable) teacher. As leaders, we often hear about the glory of success, the wins, the achievements, the accolades, but rarely do we discuss the moments where everything falls apart. These failures, however, can shape us more profoundly than any success ever could.
In my own journey, I’ve experienced failures that tested my resilience, redefined my approach to leadership, and taught me lessons I wouldn’t trade for anything. I have decided to boil down some of these lessons and put them out there to all of you. So, here are some key takeaways I’ve gained from the humbling power of failure throughout my time as a CEO and leader.
1. Humility is a Leadership Superpower
Failure strips away ego like nothing else. One of my early leadership missteps was assuming I had all the answers. I thought being the leader meant having an unwavering vision and being decisive at all costs. But whenever a major project under my leadership failed, I had to confront the hard truth: my unwillingness to listen to others or seek outside help contributed to the downfall.
That failure taught me that humility is a critical leadership trait. Acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers opens the door for collaboration, creativity, and input from others. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know. Let’s figure it out together.”
2. Failure Builds Resilience and Empathy
No one gets everything right the first time, and failure is often a sign that you’re stretching yourself. It’s uncomfortable, but it builds resilience. The kind of mental toughness that allows leaders to adapt when things don’t go as planned. This resilience is contagious; your team takes cues from how you handle setbacks.
Failures also deepen your empathy as a leader. When you’ve been in the trenches, you understand how it feels to struggle and make mistakes. That understanding makes you more approachable and supportive when your team faces challenges.
3. Transparency Fosters Trust
In one of my toughest moments as a leader, I was tempted to hide my mistakes, afraid they would undermine my credibility. Instead, I decided to own up to them—sharing not only what went wrong but also what I was doing to fix it.
Surprisingly, this honesty strengthened my team’s trust in me. They appreciated the transparency and were more willing to share their own challenges, creating a culture of open communication. It’s a lesson I carry with me: vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a bridge to stronger relationships.
4. Fail Forward—Turn Mistakes into Momentum
The most important part of failing is what you do next. After reflecting on my own failures, I realized the power of “failing forward.” Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, I focused on what I could learn and how I could improve.
Every failure became a steppingstone, a chance to refine my strategy, pivot when necessary, and emerge stronger. This mindset has not only helped me recover from setbacks but also inspired my team to approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear.
Conclusion
Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of the journey toward it. As leaders, we must embrace failure as a tool for growth, resilience, and connection. By learning from our mistakes, we not only become better leaders but also empower those around us to navigate their own challenges with courage.
If you’ve faced failure in leadership, don’t shy away from it. Lean in, learn, and lead with renewed purpose. What have your failures taught you about leadership? Let’s start a conversation.