Recently I provided the framework for thinking about the comparison of the laws of nature, to the rules of business. As we all know there are undeniable rules for how everything on earth works.
Here again are the five principles of business that we will continue to talk about in the coming months.
- The principle of no shortcuts.
- The principle of embracing failure.
- The principle of serving.
- The principle of operating in the present moment.
- The principle of speed.
This month is principle number two. The principle of embracing failure. Mike Tyson said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Ain’t that the truth!
The narrow path to true success in business (and life) will include a sad list of failures, as well as successes. There is a shift that business leaders must make from living mostly out of ideas, to a formed view of reality that can push past the very real body blows we receive from the world as the business grows and stabilizes.
It is through the doorway of failure, that we often find the deeper treasure that awaits the company. Unfortunately most companies and leaders stop at failure. Unable to muster the strength to move through it.
Brene Brown, a professor, author, and TEDx speaker, said, “You know what the big secret of TED is? This is like the failure conference…You know why this place is amazing? Because very few people here are afraid to fail. And no one that gets on this stage so far as I have seen has not failed. I have failed miserably, many times. I don’t think the world understands that because of shame.”
Wins and losses are an inevitable part of the game of business. Some are within our control, and others come from outside forces. Either way the only way to earn checkmarks in both columns is to risk!
Where you dare is of high value, regardless of the failure or the success of the effort. An 1880’s English philosopher said, “The highest reward for one’s toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.”
Being a business leader is a noble profession. It creates stability for families, economic gain for owners and investors, and provides for a better outcome for those who are helped by the company’s products or services. Take this seriously. Outcomes matter. Your performance matters.
Failure will likely never hurt less. What matters most is wisdom’s long view. The willingness to risk helping others, in exchange for money will not always work out. How you measure success makes all the difference.
As the SEALs’ motto says. “Plan for success and train for failure.”
If you would like to talk about these principles please schedule a call with David by clicking here