All of us make errors. What issues is studying from them, as people, groups, and organizations. This e-book exhibits you the way.
The Errors That Make Us: Cultivating a Tradition of Studying and Innovation is an interesting, inspiring, and sensible e-book by Mark Graban that presents another method to errors. Fairly than punishing people for human error and dangerous selections, Graban encourages us to embrace and study from them, fostering a tradition of studying and innovation.
Sharing tales and insights from his common podcast, “My Favourite Mistake,” alongside along with his personal work and profession experiences, Graban exhibits how leaders can domesticate a tradition of studying from errors. Together with examples from manufacturing, healthcare, software program, and two whiskey distillers, the e-book explores how organizations of all sizes and industries can profit from this method.
Within the e-book, you may discover sensible steering on adopting a optimistic mindset in the direction of errors. It teaches you to acknowledge and recognize them and take mandatory measures to keep away from them whereas gaining information from those that happen. Moreover, it emphasizes making a protected surroundings to specific errors and encourages responding constructively by emphasizing studying over punishment.
Growing a tradition of studying from errors via psychological security is important in efficient management and organizational success. Leaders should lead by instance and display kindness to themselves and others by accepting their very own blunders as an alternative of solely pushing for extra braveness from their group. This method, as Graban highlights, fosters a optimistic and productive work surroundings.
The Errors That Make Us is a must-read for anybody trying to create a stronger group that produces higher outcomes, together with decrease turnover, extra enchancment and innovation, and higher bottom-line efficiency. Whether or not a startup founder or an aspiring chief in a bigger firm, this e-book will encourage you to steer with kindness and humility and present you the way errors could make issues proper.
Desk of Contents:
Chapter One: Suppose Positively
Chapter Two: Admit Errors
Chapter Three: Be Variety
Chapter 4: Stop Errors
Chapter 5: Assist Everybody to Converse Up
Chapter Six: Select Enchancment, Not Punishment
Chapter Seven: Iterate Your Option to Success
Chapter Eight: Domesticate Ceaselessly
Afterword
Finish Notes
Record of Podcast Visitors Talked about within the E-book
Alan Wikler –
From Interviewing over 100 businesspeople for his ongoing podcast “My Favorite Mistake”, author, lecturer, and business consultant Mark Graban saw recurring themes and lessons learned that he generously shares in this book. What they all have in common is that, despite things not initially turning out as planned, by analyzing the causes of their mistakes, they were able to learn from them and subsequently grow personally and professionally, and in most cases become more successful in ways they would not have imagined had they not looked at their errors.This is a book that anyone who is a professional, who owns or is starting up a business must read. Everybody has made mistakes and will make more, but those who read this book will learn how to look at them as opportunities to succeed.
Melissa –
There wasn’t anything about the book I disliked. All the stories were relevant in one way or another. This book has allowed me to more clearly see my mistakes. I had picked the book up because there was a book club to discuss and because he was going to be at a conference speaking about it. So glad that I finished it even though it was after the events.Thanks Mark. I can’t wait to see what book the extra chapters will be.
Daniel RogersDaniel Rogers –
Lynn Kelley –
This is a inspiring read – filled with relatable stories of many types of people in many different roles who have made mistakes and learned from them. So much so–that some people were thrilled they made the initial mistake because the lessons learned were life changing. Graban summaries each grouping of stories with one-sentence pithy statements that serve as reminders of how to embrace mistakes and emerge better for them.
Bob WallnerBob Wallner –
I have been following this author and the resources he has provided to my profession for a very long time. When he introduced he had an audiobook based on his podcast (My Favorite Mistake), I knew it was going to be on my must-read list.Listening to his podcast and now his book, I think about some of my biggest mistakes and what I have learned from them. From “telling” a union steward they WILL practice 5s to taking a role simply because it paid more I have found that learning is key to not repeating.Every mistake is unique so a book on how to fix mistakes isn’t practical. What the author has done is that he has comprised a summary of what his podcast guests have put together about how to grow from mistakes. He has organized them into 7 lessons. Each lesson overlaps and feeds into the next lesson.Lesson 1 – Admit mistakes quickly and honestly. Coach, don’t punish, those who report mistakes and use the knowledge you’ve gained to coach others so a mistake isn’t repeated.Lesson 2 – Be kind. Not the same as nice, kindness is less about forgiving and more about using mistakes as learning opportunities.Lesson 3 – Prevent mistakes. As a lean student poke yoke is always in my mind. Once you learn use systems to prevent mistakes from reoccurring.Lesson 4 – Help everyone speak up. This requires a culture change. But this really starts with those you lead.Lesson 5 – Improve don’t punish. Hiding rather than learning from mistakes out of fear is one of the biggest mistakes.Lesson 6 – Iteration. In order to innovate and create something new you must iterate to see what works and doesn’t work. Reminds me of the practice of coaching kata.Lesson 7 – Cultivate forever. Don’t try to emulate someone else. Use your desire to learn and coach up and down to drive through the organization.In general, this was a great book and I wish a younger, less wise, me had read it when I started learning about leadership. Although with my style of leadership, I practice most of these lessons, when I’m in the heat of battle and feeling pressure, I can easily let my guard down and slip back. That is a mistake.
Angie Hackett –
Maybe by reacting with patience and thoughtful reflection, mistakes can be celebrated as they could lead to innovation and organizational improvement. Why isn’t this our default approach to mistakes? Not all mistakes require a punitive response.
Texas Buyer –
We all have choices in how we react to mistakes. We can ignore them and continue to make the same ones over and over again – or we can admit to them, think about what we expected to happen, and learn where we went wrong. Although I always felt I chose the latter alternative, this book made me think more deeply about the subject than I ever had in the past. The examples, which were entertaining and thought-provoking, will help me on a personal level, as well as identifying where the organization’s systems and culture interfere with the ability of others to accept and learn from mistakes.A lack of curiosity leads to stagnation . . . and failing to admit and learn from mistakes is the ultimate lack of curiosity. I highly recommend this book and, as you read it, thinking about how you react to your own mistakes.
Devendra Waghmare –
An engaging and inspiring book that challenges traditional views on mistakes, advocating for a culture of learning and innovation within organizations. The book provides practical guidance on adopting a positive mindset towards mistakes. The books is a must-read for individuals seeking to foster a culture of learning and innovation within their organizations.
Tanmoy Bhowmik –
Never thought mistakes can be so positive and life changing. A must read for all. Will surely recommend everyone to read.
Eric E. –
A great book, with its mix of concepts & examples, to facilitate the creation and sustainment of a problem-solving culture within any organization. Hidden problems cannot be addressed.
Adam Todd Lawrence –
Mark Graban has done it again – brought out a book that provides critical learning in a very simple, accessible, and thought-provoking way. His humility shines through as he makes it easy to understand and accept mistakes that anyone (including himself) can make. But much more than that, he shows us what servant leadership looks like and how great leaders admit their mistakes to strengthen a culture of learning and improving. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their leadership approach.
Sean –
It is a great book, The author helps us think of mistakes/unpleasant experiences from a different perspective.My top three takeaways are powerful statements from the book, which I am hoping to use in my life.1. Iterate your understanding to replace assumption with clarity2. Admit a mistake, and ask “What can we learn?”3. Yelling at somebody doesn’t make them less likely to repeat the mistake
Gena Cox –
“𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗨𝘀” – (clever title, BTW!) codifies my belief that mistakes are normal and leaders should not punish them. Further, the stories in this book confirm that some of the most successful people became more successful 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗦! So, I really enjoyed this book in support of psychological safety, speaking up, and innovation.
Ankur –
A very good read in progress, this is asking me to out my thinking cap on and think of mistakes/unpleasant experiences from a different perspective. Shared with a bunch of friends as well.
Ashton Larue –
The book is well organized and full of relevant stories. I recommend the book.
Sakshi c. –
This is a good read in progress. I loved the day the author has talked about the way of perceiving our mistakes in a way which can teach us and give us a positive approach of looking at our mistakes
Akil –
Mark does an amazing job by changing the way we perceive Mistake – A mistake is a mistake only if we do not learn anything from it and repeat it. Loved the way Mark has build up on all the real-life stories to build a captivating narrative which helps people deal with mistake more positively. It’s a must read for people in management to get insights on how they can cultivate (not build or create – but cultivate) a culture of learning and innovation. Favorite takeaway – Difference between failure and mistake – Blame the process and not the people.
Jay Izso –
Let’s be honest we all make mistakes. But often times in the business world mistakes are not tolerated. In fact, the person who makes the mistakes are often punished. Sometimes, even dismissed because of the mistake. Enter Mark Graban. The fact is if we were all punished for every mistake we make, none of us would have a job or career. We must take a look at mistakes not as a problem, but as part of the solution to a problem. In The Mistakes That Make Us, we come to realize that punishing mistakes solves nothing. But when we can learn and grow from our mistakes, it is those mistakes that can create innovation and greater success both for the individual and the business. Really and insightful read.
Debomita –
Very Inspiring and practical. It is a powerful book that reframes failure as a catalyst for growth and encourages a culture of continuous learning.So, keep learning from your mistakes.
Sumitra –
In a world of fault finding, Mark Graban’s unique perspective is refreshing. He humbly but brilliantly uplifts the status of mistakes, from something that is frowned upon, often punished in many organizations to one that is to be “‘cherished” by making a business case, that “it is not about being nice. It is about better results”, An easy read, The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating A Culture of Learning & Innovation presents a tool for problem solving and continuous improvement. Backed by research, interviews of leaders and the author’s experiences, readers get important takeaways beginning with the pragmatic ”we all make mistakes” to creating transparency by “admitting to mistakes” all the way to deep insights about culture and psychological safety. Tactical steps like actual questions to ask when a mistake occurs and several real world examples to learn from make Mark’s book a bestseller!A must read for any organization looking for improved customer satisfaction, employee engagement, process improvement, innovation and overall business growth.
BuddmanBuddman –
I recommend reading “The Mistakes that Make Us.” It gives us an extended and informative example of how to make the best of undesirable outcomes. Author Mark Graban almost seems to be setting the stage for his second book about the four areas of Dr. Deming’s System of Profound Knowledge—his first being “Measures of Success” which covered Understanding Variation—the Theory of Knowledge. In “The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation,” Mark fills each chapter with stories of mistakes made, lessons learned, and actions taken to prevent recurrence. The conversations Mark shares from guests who’ve appeared on his podcast “My Favorite Mistake,” provide rich material for stories as well as excellent references for additional study. The chapter headings provide the essence of thoughtful guidance: 1. Think Positively. 2. Admit Mistakes. 3. Be Kind. 4. Prevent Mistakes. 5. Help Everyone to Speak Up. 6. Choose Improvement Not Punishment. 7. Iterate Your Way to Success. 8. Cultivate Forever.One definition of a mistake that appears in the book, “Mistakes arise from decisions and actions that produce outcomes that don’t match our intended results,” overlooks the role of prediction in PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) learning and improvement cycles. And, with so much good foundational material, I found myself searching for a clear definition of learning that consisted of more than not repeating a mistake.An insightful passage, the spirit of which is infused throughout the book is this: “When we lack knowledge, we tend to fill that gap with assumptions that could be incorrect—leading to mistakes… Stubbornly clinging to assumptions can cause many mistakes. When an assumption turns out to be untrue, we must detect it early to adjust accordingly.” This is a personal and professional challenge for which Mark Graban’s book helps us prepare.
David Allison –
Healthcare leaders will benefit from reading this engaging and insightful book. The author’s humility and use of stories demonstrate our capacity to understand mistakes while working to prevent their causing serious harm can be achieved. Those leaders interested in improving psychological safety and a speak-up culture, and becoming a learning organization will be inspired. I place this book alongside others by authors such as Amy Edmondson, Edgar Schein, and Timothy R. Clark.
Sticky Note Hero –
Fear and punishment don’t prevent mistakes. Yet safety programs and management systems still rely on putting up signs, blaming human error, and meting out reprimands as primary methods for improving. In this quick and easy read, you will hear from leaders and entrepreneurs as they share their “favourite” mistakes and why mistakes (not failure) are cherishable opportunities for growth and improvement.
Deb –
Finally a book about using our mistakes to our advantage. We all make mistakes and we will continue to make mistakes but this book shows us how to be kind to ourselves and learn from our mistakes. The examples that were shared in the book proves no matter what position you hold, mistakes will be made. It is how you react, embrace your mistake, and decide what steps to take to improve. This is a book we all need to read.
Katie Anderson, author of “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” –
Through his podcast “My Favorite Mistake” and now his book The Mistakes that Make Us, Mark Graban has normalized the inherent human reality of making mistakes, and has created the space and a framework for us to learn from them. The path to success is paved with mistakes. And – like the Japanese proverb “Fall down seven, times, get up eight” represents – what matters is how we get up from the setbacks that knock us off course and find a path forward. Mistakes only become failures if we don’t learn from them. We can all relate to — and learn from— the stories and insights in Mark’s book. The Mistakes that Make Us is your guide on how to get up when you fall down, and to turn your mistakes into a source of learning – and a pathway to success.
Gunjan Verma –
I really like the way this book is written. Mistakes are by far our best teachers, only we need to learn from them.
Chris R. Chapman –
Excerpt from my full review on my Digestible Deming Substack:At its heart this is a book about transforming your thinking about common mistakes and errors for the better. Bolstered by real-life stories drawn from guests on his podcast and his own personal experiences, My Favourite Mistake, Mark leads you through how to reframe potentially bad situations into learning opportunities for improvement, along with some interesting techniques that you can begin to implement right away.Dr. Deming’s influence is felt throughout the book, from Mark’s deliberate insistence to blame systems before people, improve systems to correct and prevent mistakes, and guide interventions with PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Adjust/Act) experiments. It is an example of the “outside knowledge” Deming would advise leaders to heed and learn.A caveat, however: This isn’t a how-to manual with prescribed solutions to give you all the answers and the false safety of following “best practices”, but inspirational material for correcting flaws in yourself first before setting out to correct your organization. It is a book about learning to lead by leading by example.Despite the apparent weight of the topic, Mistakes that Make Us is a very approachable, light book that should be on the summer/fall reading list for any managers and leaders who are undertaking transformations.