Twice, I failed English in high school. I was embarrassed by this quietly attended summer school to attain passing grades.

My failures provide an example of how people often see failure as bad. Failing can bring up plenty of unpleasant feelings.

Yet, in business, there are plenty of people glamorizing failure. You hear phrases like ‘fail fast,’ or ‘you can’t succeed unless you fail first.’

I’m going to call B.S. on such ideas.

When you ask people to fail fast, you will invoke uncomfortable feelings. The result is that they won’t take the risks you want them to take.

Stop glamorizing failure. Instead, ask people to use their strengths and find ways to improve. When you do this, you’re more likely to put them in their comfort zone where they do their best work.

Will they still fail? Absolutely. However, they’re more likely to get back up and keep going.

You’ve got this.