The true meaning of failure and the change to a learning organization

In the modern business world, the topic of failure is discussed intensively. Many organizations are looking for ways to become more innovative and come across the term so-called error culture. This approach promises to open new ways by allowing errors. However, the implementation shows considerable misunderstandings that are the real purpose of thisdevelopment can be nullified. It takes a fundamental realignment of thinking to enable true growth.

The discrepancy between claim and living reality

It is currently extremely modern to glorify the failure and to spread public calls to celebrate errors. Such demands sound powerful and progressive, but in practice, aspiration and reality are miles apart. This is the initial major obstacle in many companies. Another problem lies in the conceptual mixingdifferent concepts in the zeal of the debate. However, a real learning culture is crucial in order to make an organization fit for the future.

The linguistic deception and conceptual clarity

Behind the popular concept of error culture is a widespread misunderstanding that can only be resolved by precise differentiation. When international leaders speak of failure, they mean a failure or failure correctly translated, but by no means a classic mistake. The current trend mixes these twoBasically different categories, which at first glance may seem like pure quibbling. In reality, however, it is a huge difference in the assessment of actions.

The definition of the classic mistake in everyday life

A classic error describes the deviation of a result from a specified standard or a clear target. This happens in an environment where rules and norms are clearly defined. For example, if a serious breach of duty of care occurs, the actual condition and the target setting differ massively. Such an approach isunacceptable and should not be celebrated in an exemplary learning culture. Famous examples from the financial world, in which astronomical sums were transferred instead of small amounts by simple typos, illustrate this problem.

The essence of real failure in experimentation

Such careless mistakes are definitely not a reason to celebrate, but must be avoided through prevention. In contrast, failures describe any form of non-functioning in connection with experiments and breaking new ground. There it is often not even clear in advance which path leads to success and which one does not. Nevertheless, action must be taken and tried out in order toto gain new insights. The painful experience you have when experimenting is not a classic mistake, but a failed test.

The valuable gain in knowledge through failure

After that, the actually exciting process begins, because every failed experiment provides valuable information about what doesn’t work. Every failure thus offers the chance to gain insights and to become a little smarter after every attempt. As far as this knowledge is concerned, we live in a highly divided society. There are those who understood thatWithout trying, no one will be wise, and question the beliefs to dare new insights. This is exactly what not only brings you further, but also drives the economy and society as a whole.

The fatal consequences of outdated thought patterns

However, this progressive part of the population is still in the minority. The far larger part of the people entrench themselves behind the misconception that failures and errors are dark spots on a white vest. The adherence to beliefs that were correct in the context of historical mass production but have lost their validity today createsserious side effects. Far too little is tried out, and if so, then you only move in the narrow paths of the further development of the existing one. Huge potential is being wasted, because those who avoid failures will miss the associated experience.

The change of consciousness through experience

You lose the necessary initiative and cement the present at the expense of the future. This attitude needs to change urgently to meet the demands of the modern world. Changing this thinking is not only a theoretical concern, but a matter of the heart for all situations in life. When dealing with failed experiments, it shows that most valuableLessons are not from theoretical textbooks. Rather, the most important findings result from coincidences and painful failures.

The reward of the most instructive errors

You learn far more from small catastrophes than from perfect processes. If there were awards for the most instructive mistakes, the trophy cabinets of the successful bulging would be full. The real art is to cultivate the courage to experiment and at the same time to maintain the care of everyday life. This is the only way to create a real learning culture that promotes innovation andat the same time ensures the stability of the organization. This path requires constant reflection and the willingness to consistently cut off old braids.