Navigating Success: Understanding Benefits of Educated Failures

Not every failure leads to negative outcomes. Some failures can provide meaningful insights.

By Ahmed Saadi (PhD, MBA, CEng)

Let’s face it no one likes or wants to fail, yet not every failure is detrimental! Indeed, some failures are highly beneficial as they offer critical learning experiences for both individuals and organisations. Based on extensive research I have undertaken; I have learnt that failures can be classified into three categories:

The first type is preventable failures that occur in predictable operations. These failures are often seen negatively since they occur in processes that are typically reliable. The root causes usually include factors like insufficient training, lack of attention or inadequate skills. Fortunately, these issues are relatively straightforward to identify and rectify, often with simple solutions like implementing checklists.

The second category involves unavoidable failures within complex systems. These failures stem from the unpredictable nature of complex tasks. While best practices in safety and risk management can prevent some issues, minor errors in these processes are a natural occurrence. Viewing these small failures as wholly negative is not constructive. The focus should be on rapidly detecting and addressing these minor issues to prevent larger, more significant problems. For instance, in healthcare settings, many accidents are the result of small, overlooked errors in patient care.

The third type of failure, and arguably the most beneficial, is intelligent failures that occur at the forefront of technology and innovation. These failures are essential in gaining new knowledge that can position you ahead of your competitors and drive future growth. Activities like developing new materials, pharmaceuticals, founding a new business or designing a novel product often require the swift creation of these productive failures. Conversely, unintelligent failures typically occur when experiments are unnecessarily scaled up before the proof of concept.

Understanding the difference between good and bad failures is crucial. Recognising and distinguishing between them enables you and your organisation to anticipate and avoid negative failures while fostering beneficial ones.

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Breaking Down Big Goals into Manageable Smaller Ones

Having really big goals can be super stressful, especially when they seem too huge to finish in just one day.

By Ahmed Saadi (PhD, MBA, CEng)

I often set myself these enormous goals and then worry about them for weeks. Like, I’d think, “Wow, I have this massive report to write and research!” I’d spend half my days just feeling stressed because the goal was so big – and most of the time, I was the one who decided to set it in the first place.

What really helps me feel less stressed is breaking the goal into smaller parts, ones that I can handle within a day or a few days. For example, I used to be frightened about writing a big report. Then I started setting smaller goals, like writing just one paragraph. After finishing one paragraph, I’d feel great and think, “Hey, I did it! Let’s write another one.” And that’s how I gradually got the report done, one paragraph at a time, then a page at a time.

The report was long in the end, but by setting these mini-goals, I did not feel overwhelmed. I just focused on writing a bit at a time, knowing I’d get to the end eventually.

So, if you are feeling overwhelmed by big goals, try breaking them into smaller, doable tasks. Celebrate each small goal you achieve. This way, instead of always feeling like you are not reaching your big goal, you will keep feeling successful with each small goal you complete. And that is a great way to turn stress into a sense of achievement.

A friend of mine works in the field of aerospace engineering, with a special focus on lightweight and sustainability in jet engines. Their company had traditionally excelled in designing standard jet engine components, which were known for their durability and performance. However, there was a pivotal year when the company decided to shift its focus towards pioneering sustainable and lightweight solutions for jet engines.

This transition was a significant goal. In the world of jet engines, weight reduction without compromising safety is paramount. Unlike conventional jet engine design, where the primary focus is on performance and durability, this new direction prioritised eco-efficiency and minimal weight. When this challenge was presented by the senior leadership, it posed a significant test for the technical team, which had been deeply rooted in traditional jet engine design.

Initially, the team was somewhat overwhelmed. The goal seemed incredibly ambitious. Their expertise lies in conventional jet engine technology, not in the nuanced field of lightweighting and sustainability. Yet, they did not let this colossal goal intimidate them. Instead, they tackled it by breaking it down into smaller, achievable tasks. The first step was to conceptualise a jet engine that was lighter yet equally robust, followed by identifying specific actions required in each department.

One of the immediate challenges was establishing partnerships with new suppliers who specialised in lightweight and sustainable materials. They also needed to address skill gaps within their team. Did they need to train existing staff in new techniques, or was it necessary to bring in fresh talent? Eventually, they opted for both.

However, a shift in mindset was equally crucial. Moving from traditional jet engine design to a focus on sustainability and lightweighting involved not just technical changes, but also a philosophical shift in how they viewed jet engine production. This was especially true given the potential risks involved in such a transformative approach. It was essential for the senior leadership to understand and embrace this new perspective.

Navigating through this transition took about six months, involving detailed discussions and planning with various stakeholders, including design teams and sustainability experts. Ultimately, their perseverance paid off.

My friend’s key takeaway from this experience was enlightening: When faced with a large goal, do not let it overwhelm your team. It is crucial to break it down into manageable parts and to be fully aware of the broader implications, such as the need for a shift in mindset and a comprehensive approach to risk management, especially when venturing into new territories like sustainable and lightweight jet engine design.

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