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| Image courtesy of: Sakurambo |
Throughout modern history there have been countless men and
women who have been tremendously successful who will tell you their secret is
they failed more than everyone else.
Thomas Edison failed at making the light bulb over a thousand times
before he found the right formula. I
recently saw an old interview with Michael Jordan where he detailed, how many
games he lost at the free throw line. I have a few friends who have made their
careers as accomplished salesmen in the corporate world. Those that have been
successful often say they achieved success by hearing “no” from more of their
clients than their peers. Failure provides the experience for future success.
Much as I discussed in a previous blog about the purpose of
testing being to provide information, a failure or a success should be analyzed
in a similar light. What worked well, what did not work well and what we will
do different when the next opportunity arises. Complaining about why the sale
did not go through, why the ball did not make it in the basket, why the product
is not ready to go; creates a barrier to future success. True you might not
have accomplished the task you wanted this time, but confusing the issue by
pointing fingers or talking down your competition does nothing more than to
cloud your mind. These negative methods
do not allow personal growth and development. In fact they often will alienate
the people who could be part of a future success.
The other side of this coin is the person who wins the game,
gets the sale or brings the new product to market and then lauds it over the
competition. How you treat others when you succeed should mirror how you would
want others to treat you when you fail.
While you should feel good about your accomplishment it should not be
based on smearing someone else’s face in the mud. Congratulate your competition
on a hard fought game; convey that you admire and respect their abilities and
look forward to future opportunities to match skills. While they might not be happy with their
defeat, they will appreciate the respect and dignity you showed them and will
likely return the favor when the tables are turned.
Be the positive role model you want to see in others. If you
win or lose with a toxic attitude you will find that others do not want to be
around you. When you face failure be
self reflective about what you personally could have done different or better. When you triumph be graceful and share the
glory; be sure to credit those who helped make the success possible. The choice is always yours – it is best to
have others to share future successes and failures with rather than to stand as
an island alone.
