Learning from Failure

Failure is like defecation. Everybody does it but nobody likes to talk about it. On a much deeper level, failure and defecation offer valuable learning experiences. Both are the results of previous consumption and decision making. Both are hard to study but filed with insights. Both are highly personal, yet indicate more universal attitudes, behaviors and trends. Even though they are inevitable, there are both ideal and less than places to fail and defecate (e.g., the bathroom and the woods, respectively). Speaking of the woods, if you've spent any time in nature, you know that studying animal "scat" is an important exercise. Similarly, it is absolutely wise to study the failures of others who have gone before you. At the end of the day, pretending it didn't happen just won't work! This is why people in psychological circles will sometimes say, "Deal with your sh*t!"  

As a leader, you will rise and fall according to your ability to maintain a healthy relationship to your failures and your poop. You need to be sensitive to their size, smell and consistency because at some point, the people closest to you will definitely be effected. I mean, feedback is good. But you don't necessarily want people to have to "Call you on your sh*t," especially not an adversary or competitor. So, while it is tempting to try to cover it up by burning incense and keeping the door closed, the best thing to do is to take a little time and looking to bowl of truth. Examine what you've done, reflect on how it came to be and make the necessary adjustments. People do not expect you to be flawless just because you're the leader. In fact they are more likely to trust and respect your leadership if you can demonstrate your commitment by practicing personal leadership, which is characterized by self evaluation and self correction. 

In my own experiences, as a teacher, counselor and priest, I make it a point to share my personal struggles whenever they provide appropriate learning opportunities. If you've ever seen my Youtube channel, you have probably seen one or two videos that include anecdotes that illustrate my personal experience with the lesson at hand. I don't particularly like sharing my sh*t. But because I have made it part of my Personal Priesthood to study my mistakes, I am confident that the exercise will produce valuable guidance for others. This is consistent with the teachings of the Holy Odu Ifa, about half of which consists of stories about Orunmila himself. When I realized that Orunmila had experienced practically every problem imaginable, it gave me much more courage and willingness to face my failures and become a better leader. Live the medicine. 

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