"Fail Smart." "Fail Forward." "Fail Up." These phrases often dress up the concept of failure in a positive light and have become a mainstay in the vocabulary of modern business. But I propose we go one step further. What if we eliminate the term "failure" altogether, even in contexts meant to motivate and inspire?
The very acknowledgment of failure tends to diminish our efforts and growth, casting a shadow over the work of continuous improvement. Traditionally, failure also implies a sense of finality. A fixed mindset that sees a dead end when the target goal isn't reached. But is that really the case? If we consider learning, growing, and improving as integral parts of our existence, then failure becomes obsolete.
At CultureID, we have reimagined our vocabulary and mindset to embrace a more constructive approach. New solutions and ideas are not only welcomed but are seen as vital steps in our journey. The outcome – whether it aligns with our initial goals or not – is secondary to progress itself. We don't 'fail forward' – we evolve.
When our actions lead us somewhere other than the predicted outcome, it’s not a signal of time wasted. Instead, we find the lesson or use the experience as a baseline to generate strategic next steps. What didn’t work well today could be the game-changer we need tomorrow to enhance client experiences or streamline our processes.
The next time you're about to use the word “fail,” ask yourself what could happen if you replaced it with a word like “discovery” or “experiment” instead. Let’s foster a culture that recognizes and celebrates growth and redefine how our teams perceive their impact.