The column "Leadership Whiteboard" provides a short visual leadership coaching moment. It introduces and explains a new sketch in each issue, provides leadership coaching for further development, and shares a leadership quote and recommended book.
Leadership Whiteboard | How Failing Builds Stronger Leaders
Many great leaders experienced early setbacks or outright failures. While “failure” may sound harsh, it doesn’t define a person. Failing doesn’t mean you're a failure. George Washington lost more battles than he won while leading the Continental Army, and early in his career, he surrendered Fort Necessity. His poor public speaking and spelling made some question his abilities. Yet, Washington overcame these challenges, eventually becoming who many consider our greatest president.
Abraham Lincoln, who joined the military as a captain, ended his service as a private due to demotions. Later in life, as President, he faced the death of his son, his wife's mental health struggles, and his own battle with depression. Lincoln once said, “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.” Setbacks often serve as catalysts for growth.
Thomas Edison was told he was too stupid to learn. Yet, he went on to hold over a thousand patents and is remembered as one of history’s greatest inventors. Similarly, a newspaper editor told Walt Disney he lacked imagination and good ideas. Wow! Reflecting on his early failures, Disney said, “I think it’s important to have a good, hard failure when you’re young. It makes you aware of what can happen. Because of it, I’ve never had any fear in my life.”
Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. Instead of giving up, he credited his coach’s decision as the catalyst to push himself toward greatness. Reflecting on his career, Jordan said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots. I’ve lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions, I was entrusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again. And that is why I succeed.”
Setbacks, failures, and difficulties appear in the lives of many leaders. In fact, these moments are often pivotal, pushing them toward greatness. I’ve had my share of failures, which some call “stupid tax” or “tuition.” Properly evaluated failures can build resilience and offer a path to greater success.
Failure teaches us more than success ever can. Don’t dwell on the negative. Remember, failing and being a failure are not the same. Setbacks shouldn’t define you. Instead, let them refine you. Learn from them, and share those lessons with others.
