What we’re thinking
Ever tried. Ever failed.
For the next two weeks here in the UK it is Wimbledon fortnight. A welcome distraction from the political debacle that is engulfing us at the moment.
So, looking elsewhere for signs of leadership and inspiration, the story of the Swiss tennis player, Stanislas Wawrinka, highlights the value in looking at failure from the perspective of learning. I’ve seen him play live – fantastic player. His backhand is phenomenal. But for many years he was in the shadow of Federer. Then Djokovic. But he keeps going.
“I always try to find the positives in losing a match, but it’s not always easy.”
He carries this inspirational tattoo with him on his left arm – a quote from the Irish playwight and poet, Samuel Beckett:
“Ever Tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
I like the challenge:
Where can I try again?
Where is the fear of failure slowing me down?
What are the lessons?
Where can I fail better?
Yesterday Wawrinka played Del Potro. It was a great match! And following the result, no doubt Stan will reflect and take some valuable learning for his next match.
Andrew Bidnell is a professional certified coach and an experienced consultant who founded InsideOut Consulting in 2006. The focus is on leadership and communication and, in particular, the challenge of engagement – of self and of others – to achieve maximum impact and fulfillment. He has worked internationally with 1,000+ leaders in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, always seeking to facilitate, challenge, support and unlock potential that lies inside an individual, a community, an organisation, and bring that strength, passion and knowledge out for maximum impact.