At a conference last week I heard a repeated message about failure which I hear on an everyday basis these days. I hear that the top techs from Silicon Valley consider it positive to fail and I also heard Harvard like to trot this one out too. And this is why I don’t agree with it… I really don’t see failure. I think that projects or events can sometimes turn out in an unexpected or un-hoped for way, but I don’t see that as a failure. Even if you don’t reach a C grade for an exam, I don’t see that as a failure. I see all of these turns of events as just another opportunity to try or do something different. To take another approach or try a different subject. I don’t see any of those as a reason to cite ‘failure’ and just give up. If I had given up every time something didn’t turn out the way I expected, there is no way I’d have achieved anything in my life!
Many of you reading this are running small social or voluntary organisations, clubs or projects and I believe for that reason, most of you are tenacious. I know that despite tough funding circumstances, lack of available premises, the difficulties of finding volunteers to help you, you don’t give up. And if you are a business owner, academic, social entrepreneur, employee or employer, you also don’t give up. You persevere. You persevere because you believe in what you do is the right thing to do – which is exactly how the team at Groop feel. We believe we can change the world and our own cog in the big wheel is taken utterly seriously – we are fully committed to providing support to ultimately enable everyone to have access to a range of well-run clubs and groups in their local area.
So, sorry Silicon Valley and Harvard gurus, this very socially obsessed and ordinary individual in a slightly chilly England, just doesn’t agree!
Sally
