When is it OK to be wrong in business?
After almost twelve years of working in media, I’m finally coming to the conclusion that I think the correct answer is ‘always‘.
Sure, most of us would prefer not to be wrong. I get it. After all, when we’re right:
- We progress in the direction we originally intended – saving time, and making it look like we made the right decision in the first place.
2. (We think) we look better, smarter, and more successful (arguably less imperfect?) in the eyes of others.
And maybe we do. But is this always necessary?
And is it always best to continue in the originally intended direction? Of course not!
How many different career paths have many of the world’s most successful business leaders and entrepreneurs embarked down before finding their sweet spot (Richard Branson being a great example)?
Mistakes (and moreover being receptive to criticism over one’s mistakes) are what enable us to develop and progress.
But many of us take criticism in the wrong way, seeing it as a sign of weakness. And, of course, weakness is bad, right? We want people to perceive us as strong, as righteous, as infallible, as perfect.
Wrong.
None of us are perfect and we shouldn’t believe ourselves to be so.
Regardless of seniority, ‘rank’ or job title, I believe that we should all regularly ask for feedback from other team members, and aspire to help others through advice and counsel (when appropriate) in order to encourage open debate and unrestricted discussion.
There really is no substitute for honest, unadulterated feedback from one’s own team. It keeps one on one’s toes, and accountable. And above all, never standing still.
The Managing Director at Conversant Media, where I previously worked, had a favourite phrase: ‘Fail Fast!’
Think about it. Make mistakes, but make them quickly, and identify them soon after. Then look for an alternative solution.
That really is the only way to keep growing.
A few quotes from leadership & management consultant and author Simon Sinek support this idea:
- “There are two kinds of decisions – the right decision and a lesson learned.”
- “Trust doesn’t develop from always doing the right thing. It comes from taking responsibility when we do the wrong thing.”
- “Leaders should not take credit when things go right if they’re not willing to accept responsibility when things go wrong.”
- “Work hard to seen infallible and others will work to find out flaws. Admit our shortcomings and others will work to help us be infallible.”
- “Appreciate when things go awry. It makes for a better story to tell later.”
- “Always plan for the fact that no plan ever goes according to plan.”
- “Greatness is not born from one success. Greatness is born from persevering through the countless failed attempts that preceded.”
And one final rhetorical question, which I love:
“What in the world would you dare to attempt if you knew without doubt you couldn’t fail?”
Surely the answer is ‘everything…’
