Turn Your “Oops” Moments Into “Eureka!” Discoveries
Did you know that the worst fears you have for your organization are probably true?
The things you avoid – fluctuations, disturbances, imbalances – will always occur! They are part of the cycle of change and growth, and yes, they can be scary. But they are the very factors that will stimulate creativity.
I call this “Oops to Eureka!”
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Mistakes can’t always be avoided. They’re going to happen. But if you can think of them as opportunities, you can see them as a chance to reconsider your assumptions.
In fact, over the centuries, many of the greatest discoveries happened as a result of failures. So the key lies in how you react to failures – not that you don’t have them at all.
After you fail at work – deliver a boring presentation or choose the wrong software – it’s natural to want to run and hide.
Dealing with it head-on, however, is the better way. It’s also the improv way.
Because you’re going to mess up again. You’re human. There will inevitably be another instance – or ten or one hundred – where your best-laid plans go awry.
If you change your approach and try something unconventional, your next mistake may just become your greatest discovery!
Even more, it’ll help you become a better leader, as flexibility to deal with the unexpected is a quality successful leaders possess.
Here are the steps to follow to turn your oops into a Eureka!
- Acknowledge it.
- Deal with it.
- Move on.
As a leader, it’s important to know how to deal with the unexpected. By practicing how to acknowledge it, deal with it, and move on, you’ll grow the leadership skills you need to be identified for a promotion or raise.
Be ready to tackle the next unexpected “oops” that comes your way this week, and turn it into a “Eureka!” moment.
This article is 100% written by a human named Karen Hough. She is the Founder & CEO of ImprovEdge, in the top 4% of women-owned businesses in the US, a 3-time Amazon bestselling author, Yale grad, wife and mom of three.