132. Lean Into Failure: How to Make Mistakes That Work

Effective and productive teams and relationships are based on the ability to communicate safely and to fail successfully. In this episode, Amy Edmondson, a professor at Harvard Business School and author of The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well, shares profound insights on the different types of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—and their implications for learning and innovation. 

In her conversation with host and Strategic Communications lecturer Matt Abrahams, Edmonson opens up about her struggles with failure, highlighting the importance of moving from rumination to reflection. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive guide to fostering an environment where failure is not feared but embraced as a crucial step toward growth and success.

Episode Reference Links:

• Amy Edmondson: Website
• Amy’s Books: The Fearless Organization & Right Kind of Wrong 
• Amy’s paper with Ingrid Nembhard: Making it Safe: The Effects of Leader Inclusiveness 
• Amy’s admired communicator Nicolai Tangen’s podcast: In Good Company
• Ep.21 - Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive
• Ep.112 - From Mistakes to "Missed Takes"

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• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces guest Amy Edmondson and her new book the Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well.

(00:01:38) Psychological Safety Communication Strategies

The concept of psychological safety and its role in fostering open communication and risk-taking within teams.

(00:05:36) Leader's Role in Creating a Safe Environment

A leader's role in acknowledging vulnerability and creating a culture of appreciation for candid feedback.

(00:08:27) Empowering Every Team Member

Benefits of empowering every team member to contribute to psychological safety.

(00:10:46) Understanding Failure

The importance of psychological safety in admitting mistakes and exploring the concept of failure.

(00:14:07) Communicating About Failure

How leaders can effectively communicate about failures to encourage team learning and resilience. 

(00:18:34) Unequal Opportunity to Fail

The unequal opportunity to fail, particularly for underrepresented groups.

(00:20:39) The Final Three Questions

Amy Edmondson shares her challenges with failure, a communicator she most admires, and three ingredients to a successful communication recipe.