I asked this question of Ralph Heath, author of Celebrating Failure: The Power of Taking Risks, Making Mistakes and Thinking Big. Here’s what he said:
The other day I read this McKinsey report that said 70% of the companies in this country don’t allow flextime. I cringed.
I would guess the majority of companies who struggle with what time to let their employees come to work are also struggling with failure as well. I am not particularly optimistic that companies are embracing this philosophy.
He’s got a point.
But with the advantage of time to consider his answer I see a growth opportunity. That opportunity exists for businesses who can find the power of taking risks, making mistakes and thinking big.
Let's take Ralph as example. Ralph’s been celebrating failure with his business, Ovation Marketing, for over 31 years. He twice was named to Inc magazine’s list of America’s 500 fastest growing companies. He’s a John Caples International Award Winner and has been recognized as Direct Marketing Association Midwest Direct Marketer of the Year.
Ralph’s also a 4-time Triathlon All American by USA Triathlon Association and twice has finished the Ironman Triathlon.
I wonder if a business leader knew they could accomplish comparable things would they be able to get their head around:
- flextime ( or hiring and leading adults)
- celebrating failure to learn from it and grow their business faster on a more sustainable basis.
You can read more here about Ralph and how he celebrates failure to take risks, make mistakes and think big...and accomplish great things here.
You can listen here to our recent conversation.
You can buy his book here. I recommend it.
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