In life there are incidents and there are trends.
Reputation is like a trend. If you are consistent you will earn an accurate reputation.
No individual is perfectly consistent, whether that behavior is positive or negative. We all behave in ways that don’t represent our true selves. We all suffer negative incidences, which should not define us provided there are enough positive incidences to establish a positive trend.
The good scientist knows it takes more than one data point to establish a trend. Further to good scientist takes all the data from their research, plots it on a graph, and then draws a line through the data points in order to determine the trend.
In the same manner great leaders look at all of the behaviors and decisions of others as data points to asses the ultimate value and contribution of an individual.
I am reminded of a story that took place at IBM many years ago under the leadership of founder Tom Watson, Sr. in which a young aspiring executive made a decision that cost the company $10 million.
When Mr. Watson heard of the error he called the young executive to his office. Upon arriving at Mr. Watson’s office the young executive promptly apologized for the error and offered his resignation. To the young executive’s surprise Mr. Watson exclaimed, “Why would I want your resignation when we just spent $10 million educating you?”
Mr. Watson looked at the trend of this young executive’s career and would not allow that one incident to define the young man.
When things go wrong a great leader applies three principles:
- There is no failure, just learning [resulting in an ever increasing trend]
- Is there more than one incident from which to extrapolate a trend?
- Is the current failure an incident, and opportunity for learning, or sign of a poor trend [inability to learn from one’s mistakes]?
Herb Mast is a Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.