APRIL–MAY–JUNE 2022 // ISSUE 54
ADMINISTRATION FAILURE Thanks for dropping in for my next installment on failure. Last
When you imagine yourself failing, can you describe the
quarter I introduced the idea that failure, rather than being
emotion(s) you feel?
something to avoid at all costs, could actually be a necessary tool for growth. I discussed how many of our professional beliefs and mantras leave little, if any, room for failure. I asked many questions of you about how we regard failure, and what you see as consequences to our beliefs on failure. Last quarter’s
Have you personally experienced failure, or witnessed a failure by someone else? How did those involved react? How did others react? Have you ever decided not to participate in something for fear
installment ended with a hypothesis: If we could embrace failure as a natural consequence of
that you might fail? Were there any consequences
The Value of Failure • Have you ever heard someone say, “I’ve learned far more
reaching for difficult goals,
from my failures than from my successes”? This is 100%
our organization would
true. Our potential increases with each failure as we gain
be better for it. In this
both experience and compassion.
quarter, I’ll explore how that hypothesis might be tested. As with the testing of any hypothesis, we implement a change, observe the consequences if any, and then evaluate. In this case, I propose we would first talk about the value of failure and how to handle the potential impact of experiencing failure, both personal and professional,
to that choice? When you think about it today, how do you feel? What SFFR processes or systems do you feel have
• Did you know that failing, and being open about the
the most applicability to
failure, cultivates closer relationships with family, friends,
this discussion, and why?
and colleagues?
For example, how could/
• Failure is linked closely with increased happiness, resilience, adaptability, and productivity.
should failure play a role in our PIAs? Do you think our attitude
Failure as a tool for growth
on failure at SFFR is
• In order to learn from failure, it is critical that we TALK about it.
improving or getting worse? Why?
• When we TALK about it, we have the chance to receive
I think that’s enough for
three gifts:
this quarter. Thanks for
your engagement. Next
o Humility – accepting responsibility, having remorse,
and asking for help
quarter we’ll explore
first. Fortunately, there’s
opportunities for failure
a mountain of research
us to empathize with others
into some of the things we
do here at SFFR. If you’d
prior to diving in head
on this topic, and advice is plentiful. I’ve cultivated some of what is quickly digestible.
how we could engineer
o Compassion – Embarrassment hurts. That hurt helps
o Openness to Learning – successful adults learn, adapt,
and grow. This OFTEN includes taking a new stance on a long-held position. With new information comes new decisions.
like to talk about this, or any other topic really, shoot me an invitation and we’ll have a visit.
With these concepts in your mind, I’d like you to take some time, either personally or as a crew, to work through some questions. Feel free to send me your answers if you feel so inclined, as you know I’d love to read them. PAGE 2 //
DIVISION CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATION MIKE GRAMLICK
