Part 3, The Power of Mistakes: Portals of Discovery

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The Power of Mistakes

Part 3: Portals of Discovery

In Parts 1 and 2, we explored how fostering a culture where individuals feel safe admitting mistakes can significantly boost organisational resilience and engagement. Now, we take a look at why mistakes shouldn’t be eradicated entirely but instead be embraced as powerful catalysts for innovation.  After all, mistakes are an inevitable part of life and rather than viewing them as failures to be avoided at all costs, there are benefits to viewing them as opportunities for progress.  James Joyce famously described mistakes as “portals of discovery,” and history is brimming with examples that highlight their transformative potential.

Mistakes That Changed the World

Take Dr. Spencer Silver, a chemist at 3M. Tasked with creating a stronger, more durable adhesive, he ended up developing something far less powerful — a light, sticky substance. At first glance, it was a failure. Yet, Silver shared his “mistake” widely within the company, sparking an idea in a colleague’s mind that eventually led to the invention of the now-iconic Post-it Notes.

Even more dramatic is Alexander Fleming’s serendipitous discovery of penicillin. Fleming accidentally left a petri dish exposed, allowing it to become contaminated with mold. Instead of discarding it, he observed something extraordinary: the mold killed bacteria. This chance mistake laid the foundation for the antibiotic revolution, saving countless lives worldwide.

While not every mistake will yield ground-breaking results, these stories demonstrate a vital truth: every error reveals something. It might expose a personal gap in knowledge, a miscommunication, or even systemic flaws within an organisation. Embracing these insights as “portals of discovery” can unlock untapped potential and pave the way for innovation.

The Cost of Denial

In contrast, ignoring or covering up mistakes can lead to devastating consequences. Recent high-profile cases, such as Boeing and Volkswagen, illustrate this starkly.

* Boeing: Leadership’s refusal to acknowledge design flaws in the 737 Max and their downplaying of concerns led to catastrophic crashes, the tragic loss of hundreds of lives, massive fines, lawsuits, and irreparable reputational damage.

* Volkswagen: The company’s deliberate attempt to hide emissions cheating resulted in billions in fines, leadership turnover, and a tarnished legacy.

These examples underscore a crucial point: when leaders fail to admit to mistakes, they set a toxic precedent. A culture of denial stifles innovation, discourages accountability, and amplifies risk. Even in less extreme cases, organisations pay a price through missed opportunities and diminished trust.

Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones

How can leaders foster a culture where mistakes are valued as stepping stones to success?

> Discuss and Learn from Mistakes: Create an environment where mistakes are openly discussed without fear of judgment. Focus on what the organisation learned and what changes were made as a result. Share stories of how errors have led to improvements or breakthroughs.

>  Be Proactive: Invite Feedback: Don’t wait for mistakes to surface. Engage with individuals on the front lines who often have valuable insights into inefficiencies and areas for improvement. Their perspective can help pre-empt errors and drive innovation.

Mistakes are inevitable and can leave us feeling anxious – but they can also unlock the potential for stronger organisations when used for discovery and growth, better processes and innovation.   

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