One of the attributes of successful organizations is granting autonomy to its people. In the playing field of personal life and in the workplace, I’ve learned far more from being allowed to fail than from reading books or from specific instruction. Leaders have granted me opportunities with curbs in place to help minimize the negative impacts of failure.
Coming clean
Some of my greatest failures in the last year and what I learned from them:
- Allowed a disruptive and negative team member to remain on the team too long. Even though he was one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, he spread frustration and distrust wherever he went. Since his departure we are in a far better place and I’m now much more proactive when it comes to managing negativity and making quick decisions to consider the good of the whole.
- Countless times speaking too quickly when believing I have the right answer to a problem, only to realize not all of the facts were clear. Listening more, speaking less.
- Bringing on a team member without first meeting in person. We had great video calls, he had a fantastic resume, and he passed the test while interviewing online with my peers. However, from his first day onsite it was clear that I’d made an error. While I strongly advocate for remote work, there is no replacement for critical assessments in person, even if just for a very short period of time.
With each of these mistakes there were warning signs; subtle and obvious. Worse, far too many failures can directly be correlated to a lack of prayer and patience, trying to do it my own way.
What does Jesus have to say?
“For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25 ESV)
Our Heavenly Father grants us free will, the ability to make our own choices, to make mistakes, and most important – to either choose him or reject him. As our Shepherd, he is the gentle voice giving us warnings or curbs to stay along a path of righteousness. Shepherds look after their whole flock and they also care about each sheep individually.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27 NLT)
The next words from Jesus are the best part. He makes it crystal clear how much he cares for us, following him results in mercy and the gift of eternal life.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, (John 10:28 NLT)
Sheep also very well know the voice of their shepherd based on a lifetime of following. The further we are from God, the less clear his voice may seem to be when we prioritize our selfish desires over those of our Creator, our Shepherd, the Overseer of our souls.
Father God, forgive us for straying, for ignoring your voice, for ignoring your commands, for putting ourselves first. Thank you for giving us your living word through the Bible. May we seek your truth in a world full of lies, may we choose you to be our Shepherd and Overseer today. Thank you for loving us, for dying for us, for proving you are God of all through your death, burial and resurrection. In the name of Jesus, Amen.