Embracing Failure: A Strategic Approach to Success in the New Year
Image courtesy of MJH Shikder on Unsplash

Embracing Failure: A Strategic Approach to Success in the New Year

As we step into the new year, it’s unlikely many of us declared, “This year will be my year to fail!” Yet, embracing failure might be the key to unlocking your next level of success. 

In leadership, where success often seems tied to unshakable confidence and impeccable decision-making, embracing failure may seem paradoxical. However, it’s precisely the ability to learn from setbacks that propels leaders toward greater success. As we kick off this year, we want to take a moment to explore why it’s important for you to deliberately embrace failure—not just as a resolution for the daring but as an essential leadership imperative for enduring success. 

1. Cultivating a Growth Mindset 

Leaders who embrace failure understand that setbacks are not insurmountable roadblocks but steppingstones to growth. The adoption of a growth mindset, a concept coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, empowers leaders to view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. By acknowledging that failure is an inherent part of the journey, these leaders foster a culture that values effort, resilience, and continuous development. In such an environment, team members are more likely to take risks, push boundaries, and innovate, recognizing that failure is not a final verdict but a transformative means of evolution. 

2. Building Resilience in the Face of Adversity 

Failure is an inevitable companion on the path to success, and true leaders understand that it’s not the absence of failure but the ability to rebound stronger that defines success. Embracing failure becomes a cornerstone for building resilience, a critical trait for navigating the uncertainties of leadership. When leaders demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, it serves as a powerful example for their teams. This resilience, in turn, fosters a sense of unity and determination, transforming challenges into opportunities for collective growth. 

3. Fostering a Culture of Accountability 

Leadership is not about sidestepping mistakes but taking ownership of them. Embracing failure involves openly acknowledging mistakes and using them as catalysts for improvement. When leaders model accountability, they establish a precedent for their teams to do the same. In a culture where failure is not stigmatized but seen as a natural part of the journey, individuals are more likely to admit their mistakes, seek solutions collaboratively, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. 

4. Encouraging Innovation and Creativity 

The fear of failure can stifle innovation and creativity within an organization. Leaders who embrace failure, however, create an environment where team members feel empowered to think outside the box and explore new ideas without the constant pressure to be perfect. By fostering a culture that values experimentation, leaders open the door to groundbreaking solutions that can propel the organization forward. 

5. Learning and Growing from Failure 

Each failure is an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow. Leaders who embrace failure understand that reflection and analysis of setbacks are essential for personal and organizational development. By instilling a habit of post-failure reflection, leaders extract valuable insights, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategic changes. This continuous learning process not only enhances individual leadership skills but also contributes to the overall resilience and adaptability of the organization.

Reflective Thought: What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.” (Yern McLellan)

  

  

Ethos Leadership Group, LLC

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Carol Payne

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Carol Payne

Operations Assistant

Carol joined Ethos in 2020 after working in revenue cycle management and operations for non-profit and for-profit organizations. A natural helper, Carol takes pride in completing operational tasks that allow her teammates to focus on client-facing work. Carol particularly enjoys preparing Ethos’ daily tweets and bi-weekly leadership content for publication.

Fast Facts:

  1. Lived in 10 states before settling in West Virginia in 2012
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Aaron Ray, Project Analyst

Ethos Team:

Aaron Ray

Development Specialist

Aaron joined Ethos in 2022 after working in the behavioral health field in various roles, including being a counselor and an adjunct professor. A researcher at heart, Aaron works behind the scenes and alongside clients to connect them to evidence-based methods to achieve their goals. Aaron particularly enjoys gathering data, synthesizing information, and working with the Ethos team to meet clients’ needs.

Fast Facts:

  1. He was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio and is a proud fan of Cleveland’s major sports franchises and The Ohio State Buckeyes
  2. Is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Ohio
  3. Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, smoking meat, and cooking good BBQ

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Sherri Ferrell

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Sherri Ferrell
Chief Executive Officer, West Virginia Primary Care Association
Lisa Jones

“I cannot say enough great things about the strategic planning process with Ethos. The process was not only fun but truly engaging. Becky and David were able to take a multitude of ideas from more than 30 participatory team members and help consolidate them into a workable functional plan. I will definitely use Ethos again for strategic planning and other leadership consulting needs!”

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Renee Steffen

“Ethos was a true consultative partner in our strategic planning process. They listened to our organization’s feedback and were flexible in incorporating modifications into the process in a way that demonstrated they valued our organization’s culture and history. In addition to walking alongside us every step of the way, Ethos’s facilitation skills are top-notch. They helped move the conversation forward during critical breakthrough moments while ensuring everyone felt heard and valued. Several of our board members commented that it was the best strategic planning process in which they had ever participated. I can tell Ethos has a passion for helping clients move forward in a positive direction and this positive energy was highly evident in our experience working with them. We weren’t just another client but rather, we were a valued partner in the work!”

Renee Steffen
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Stacy DeCicco

“Our work with the Ethos team has impacted nearly every facet of our organization. Our initial experience engaged our board in a strategic thinking exercise. This half day event was originally scheduled to be an isolated experience; what it became was a launching point for organizational growth, professional development, and intentional, sustainable efforts. Our amazing experience within the strategic planning session brought mission and vision centered decision making to life for our team. The conversations of that day were not simply discussions that were archived and put on a shelf at the end of the meeting. They quickly transformed into digestible, attainable action items. Immediate implementation was possible because of the ongoing support and facilitation we received from the Ethos team. That energy and momentum flowed from the board, through our team, and out to the agencies that we support and engage across the community. We are a stronger organization because we are now able to execute our mission and serve our community better than ever before. The investment Ethos has made with us has created ripples that are felt further than they can ever be measured!”

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Director, Customer Care Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, First National Bank of Omaha
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Craig Glover
President and CEO, FamilyCare Health Centers
David Ray - Ethos Leadership Group

Ethos Team:

David Ray

Owner

In 2017, David joined Ethos after leading and advising in the non-profit sector. An organizational troubleshooter and natural synergist, David leverages his analytical and relational skills to help clients take their business and team to their desired next level. With a passion to see others live and lead well, David enjoys connecting leaders to evidence-based practices to boost leadership capacity, build human capital, and improve organizational performance. David particularly enjoys working with clients through strategic planning, executive coaching, and team development.

Fast Facts:

  1. Started his own property investment company at the age of 24
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Rebekah D. Mathis-Stump, J.D.

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Becky joined Ethos in 2009 after leading the daily operations of five distinct work teams over a ten-year period. An analyst and solution-generator by nature, she works with clients to identify their needs and develops a plan of action to reach their desired results. Having worked in numerous disciplines in her career, Becky brings a broad range of knowledge and experience to our clients. Becky particularly enjoys working with clients on organizational audits, strategic planning, employee training and coaching, and governance.

Fast Facts:

  1. Lived in numerous states growing up, finally claiming West Virginia as home after marrying a native son, Jeff Stump
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  3. Becky enjoys reading, golfing, and cheering on the West Virginia University Mountaineers
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Founder

As our Founder, James encourages us to dream bigger dreams and mentors us to achieve them. James brings this same passion to our clients, skillfully blending inspiration with practical application in his work. James’ primary areas of expertise include leadership and fundraising.

Fast Facts:

  1. Development Officer at Pheasants Forever.
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  3. James enjoys spending time with his wife (Lesa), and hunting

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