I’m not a big fan of the word “fail.”  But it happens.  “Fail” has a connotation that can be negative and depressing.  As nonprofit organizations, and nonprofit employees we need to grow and change.  That means taking risks and trying new things.  Risk is dangerous.  It might not work.

Results are rewarded.  Implementing a new, successful program can garner acclaim for an organization, and professional recognition for the people that envisioned the program.  Unfortunately, we don’t live in a world where effort is rewarded in the same way.  If the same program failed, many are quick to judge.  It is no wonder so many adhere to the status quo.  Why risk the mission of the entire organization on a program that might not work?  Why risk your career on an idea that may challenge your colleagues to think and work in a new way?  Why?  Because if you don’t change, you will be left behind.  Other organizations are innovating.  Other staff members are reshaping the organization.

“The drive to succeed and the accompanying fear of failure have held back some of the greatest creators and change agents in history.  Concerned with maintaining stability and attaining conventional achievements, they have been reluctant to pursue originality.”

-Adam Grant, Originals

 

In nonprofit organizations, we are building exciting, new, innovative art and programming.  We encourage staff to think creatively because that makes our organization shine.  The best creative ideas lead to greater professional success.  Non-profit staff members need the opportunity to try new skills.  He, she, or they may not be successful the first time.  Instead of saying, “I failed” and leaving it at that, the staff member should be rewarded for reflecting and trying again until successful. Ultimately the promotion or raise comes from getting results, but as leaders, we have to allow staff to fail sometimes.

Take the risk.  Do everything in your power to make it a success.  If it fails, figure out why and try again.  I stopped saying that I failed long ago.  Most recently I chose, “that was less than successful.”  I chose to focus on what I could do to make it successful the next time around.

 

References

Originals, by Adam Grant