Page 55 - How to Create a Winning Organization

The Pyramid’s Second Tier
I also believe a smart leader teaches those in the organization the 37
difference between mistakes of commission and those of omission.
The former are calculated to make things happen; the latter, mis-
takes of omission, result too often from trepidation, fear of doing
something wrong, just like the basketball player who picks up three
quick fouls in the first half.

I rarely, if ever, criticized a player who tried in an intelligent
way to make things happen out on the court, even when he
failed. The same standard applies to leadership. A leader must
have Initiative—the courage to make decisions, to act, and the
willingness and strength to risk failure and take a stand even
when it goes against the opinion of others.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE LEADERS
UNDERSTAND THAT FAILURE IS A
NECESSARY INGREDIENT OF SUCCESS

No one can win every time he gets on the court or enters the
marketplace with a new product or service. Mistakes, even fail-
ure, can be permissible so long as they do not result from care-
lessness or poor preparation. Losing can provide learning, thus
preventing future errors. Remember Coach Lambert’s perspec-
tive: Mistakes are a part of winning. Make sure they’re the
right kind of mistakes.