How to Coach Learning Out of Failure

No one likes to fail, but some failure is actually good for us. A little failure now and then will make us stronger. I’ll tell you why, and how to coach learning out of failure.

“Failure” is an emotionally-charged word. Discouragement is it’s constant companion. The word “failure” has a note of finality or completeness. Black or white. Bad or good.

Rarely is failure all or nothing. Without failure we wouldn’t learn and grow. Here are two reasons a little failure is a good thing:

Reason 1: Failure Leads to Reaching Our Potential

Some people go to great lengths not to fail. On the surface, that’s understandable. However, by aiming for only what is attainable you risk staying firmly in the grip of mediocrity.

A pole vaulter only knows her upper limit by moving the bar higher and higher. In sport as well as work, you can only reach your potential by pushing your limits, and that means risking failure.

As you coach others, challenge them to reach higher than they think they can go. It’s only then they develop their potential.

In the full-length version of this article I reveal the 2nd reason a little failure is helpful for leadership development. Also, my 4-step process to coach learning out of failure. 

Keith Webb is passionate about empowering leaders to multiply their impact. Keith is President of Creative Results Management, a global training organization. He is the author of The Reflective Journal for Coaches, Coaching In Ministry, and The COACH Model for Christian Leaders. He has delivered training to leaders in more than 30 countries. Keith writes weekly leadership articles at: keithwebb.com.