“I tried and tried, but failed to bring him back to life. It was clear he was gone. That was my fourth attempt at resuscitating someone with CPR - and my fourth loss.”  ~ Dedicated public servant retelling an experience from his time on the front lines of public safety

“I was passed over again for the top spot. That’s the fourth final interview in a row where I’ve failed to get the job.”  ~ Competent and experienced crisis leader, applying for a chief’s position at a different agency

These statements came from two recent, unrelated conversations. On the surface, they point to the same outcome: failure.

Not once, but four times in a row. Each with serious, personal consequence.

And yet, these men are among the best examples I know of competent, successful, and confident leadership and character.

Can both conditions be true at the same time? Yes. Absolutely.

One of the mindset shifts I’ve come to value is the awareness of just how quickly the phrase “failure of leadership” gets weaponized. An anthem in political circles, the phrase - no, the accusation - is hurled at anyone who falls short of someone else’s idea of perfection.

Shame on us, really. Expecting perfection - from ourselves or others - is a fool’s game.

Lack of success - in CPR, in job hunting, and yes, in leadership - is not and cannot be all or nothing.

Instead, let’s recognize what allowed these stories to exist in the first place: A Bias For Action.

If they hadn’t taken action, where would we be?

There are absolutes in life - but rarely where we think. For example:

• Chance of those four people dying without my friend being there? 100%

• Chance of getting the chief’s job without applying and interviewing? 100%

• Chance of a new strategy never seeing daylight without someone trying something bold? 100%

I’d argue not only are these men not defined by their lack of success, they’re respected precisely because they faced what became a losing battle - and pressed forward anyway.

Those are winners we can all learn from. Not ones to ignore or chastise.

Share this with a ‘failure’ in your life. They may just need to hear it.