When someone in your network, especially a friend and collaborator, asks for help or support, you comply. So, this past week, I trekked down to Georgia Tech with another friend to attend Failure-Lab Atlanta. It was a very different kind of evening listening to people describe significant failures they experienced on their journey to success. Six personal testimonies were presented without judgment or analysis, separated by live musical performances. The stories ranged from the tragic to the hilarious. Some were more emotional than others. They included themes like a personal betrayal and ignoring one’s inner voice. Many included a heavy dose of helplessness and guilt. Half of the stories were about personal relationships, with the balance about business failures. One intertwined the personal with the business. Of course, in the end, failure is very personal. I am confident the audience could relate to many if not all of the presenters. One can only guess at the courage it took to share those stories with complete strangers. It must have been a positive experience for the presenters.
My friend, Brownell, who invited me, was the lead speaker. She is launching a children’s book and is in the process of raising money via crowdfunding. She really did not speak to any of her personal failures but recited a poem she had written in connection with her latest project. Actually, the poem is the entire book. The gist of her poem is about personal growth and development throughout one’s life. It asked the question, “what will we do when we stop?” In other words, will you have fond memories of the life you lived or regrets for the choices you failed to take? She set the stage for the stories to follow.
The other presenters can be described as follows:
- The Restaurateur
- The Tough-love musician
- The Lady with a start-up and a newborn.
- The Lawyer cum Politician
- The King of Pops
- The bi-polar lady
Separating the story-tellers with musicians was brilliant. Whereas these stories were mostly sad and depressing, the musicians lightened up the mood. They were awesome, like an emotional palate cleanser. Other than a rapper who performed to recorded music, the musicians were folksier, supported by acoustic guitars. But even the performers were conveying their own messages about overcoming failure.
From the Failure Lab Website: “FAILURE-LAB was founded in 2012 by a group of professionals in West Michigan to eliminate the fear of failure and encourage intelligent risk taking. We showcase storytellers and entertainers who share personal stories of failure, publish crowdsourced lessons, and instigate discussion.” “Story-tellers and entertainers recounting their most memorable brush with failure. The audience is encouraged to share their thoughts on Twitter, using #failurelab during the performances and between stories.” The founders thought that by sharing failures, having a discussion, and investigating lessons learned people would become more comfortable taking calculated risks. Failure-Lab is meant to be inspirational. The goal is to create a sense of community, learning from other’s mistakes.
Failure-Lab is an interesting concept with broad application. Shows are being performed across the country and abroad. The message is that failure or rejection is just a step along the road to success. Successful people understand this principle. The owners of the concept have a consulting arm as well. Their mission is to help organizations and individuals remove roadblocks to innovation, collaboration, and creative thinking.
People who are in a job search can certainly relate to failure, at least in small doses. Sales professionals deal with rejection constantly. It is just a part of the process. Failure is a fact of life. Learn to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and keep moving. Look for a Failure-Lab event coming to your community and make plans to attend. Bring along a friend or two. You will be glad you did.
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