Merriam-Webster defines mistake as a wrong action or statement proceeding from faulty judgment, inadequate knowledge, or inattention.
William McKnight, the legendary chairman of 3M, said, “The best and hardest work is done in the spirit of adventure and challenge…Mistakes will be made.”
Maybe it was this kind of culture that led to the invention of the Post-It note…by mistake!
According to Wikipedia, in 1968, Dr. Spencer Silver, a scientist at 3M in the United States, was attempting to develop a super-strong adhesive. Instead he accidentally created a “low-tack,” reusable, pressure-sensitive adhesive.
For five years, Silver promoted his “solution without a problem” within 3M both informally and through seminars but failed to gain acceptance. In 1974 a colleague who had attended one of his seminars, Art Fry, came up with the idea of using the adhesive to anchor his bookmark in his hymn book. Fry then utilized 3M’s officially sanctioned “permitted bootlegging” policy to develop the idea. The original notes’ yellow color was chosen by accident, as the lab next-door to the Post-It team had only yellow scrap paper to use.
Great leaders understand that mistakes are an inevitable by-product of imperfect people trying new things and challenging past achievements. Great leaders recognize that innovation is birthed in the realm of the unknown.
Hence, great leaders don’t dwell on mistakes, but rather see them as opportunities [even celebrating them] to expand knowledge, build wisdom, and increase intentionality in themselves and others.
Even repeats of the same mistake are seen as revealing a pattern and providing an opportunity for action.
Moment of Reflection:
As a leader, how are you handling mistakes? Do you react, get angry, and dole out punishment? Or, do you respond by encouraging people to push established limits and use mistakes as coaching opportunities?
How you react or respond impacts on your organization’s culture and will either expand or limit its potential.
Herb Mast is Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.