I know it may seem odd but it’s okay to accept failure. Failure is inevitable. At some point in your journey, you will fail at something. However, as much as you know it will happen, we often don’t know how to accept it when it strikes. I like to view failure as an opportunity to learn, grow and pivot where necessary. Unfortunately, as much as we’ve learned about the benefits (also known as the “hidden gems”) of failure, there is still very much a negative connotation associated with failure. So much so, that many believe they must not be associated with it. As strange as it may seem, it’s this belief that will guarantee your failure. So, how can you evolve as a leader and accept failure as an opportunity?
In an article written by Jason Wingard for Forbes, he used the failure and success of Tiger Woods to demonstrate what he has deemed to be the ‘Tiger Woods Effect’. Wingard focused his discussion on three main points:

• Owning Your Mistakes
• Focusing on The Lesson
• Adopting a Growth Mindset

While his points may seem obvious, one should not be surprised that some find it uncomfortable to “own their mistakes”. Owning your mistakes is literally falling on your own sword and admitting you got it wrong. It means that in that very moment, you must become one with the vulnerable state you find yourself in. It may mean that you will take a hit to your personal brand that took years to build. Yes, failure can be many things, but your response to failure is what will set you apart from others. There are many examples where people have failed, but the most impactful failures emerge from individuals who not only own their mistakes but intentionally look for the lesson learned in that mistake. According to Helio Fred Garcia, president of a crisis management firm, this approach empowers team members to admit their own mistakes in the future and create a culture of trust and camaraderie. Ultimately, owning your mistake and focusing on the lesson learned is part of the growth mindset that all leader should possess. Your failure, rather the challenge that found you, is an opportunity for you to learn, grow and excel as a leader. How will you accept failure?