Intentional vs. Accidental Failing
We all know mistakes happen, but not all mistakes are created equal. Some are a natural part of learning, while others are the result of poor choices. Over the years, I’ve seen how important it is to distinguish between accidental failure and intentional failure. This distinction doesn’t just shape how we view mistakes; it shapes how we build trust, accountability, and culture on our teams.Understanding Accidental Failure
Accidental failure happens when you are genuinely doing your best. You come to work prepared, lean on your team, follow the process, and put in effort, yet something still goes wrong. These moments should not be feared. Instead, they should be embraced as part of growth. In my own company, we normalize failure during our weekly meetings. Team members share their slip-ups, not to embarrass themselves, but to remind everyone that trying something new sometimes leads to missteps. These mistakes help us see what we might have missed and give us the courage to keep innovating. Accidental failures are training in disguise. Just like the story of the business leader who refused to fire someone after a costly mistake, seeing it instead as millions of dollars spent on training, I’ve come to believe that accidental mistakes are investments in growth.Recognizing Intentional Failure
Intentional failure, however, is something else entirely. This occurs when you skip planning, refuse to ask for help, repeat the same mistake without learning, or choose not to double-check when you have the chance. It also happens when someone ignores proven processes and goes rogue for no reason. These are not innocent missteps. They are deliberate choices that set up both the individual and the team for failure. Intentional failures erode trust, waste time, and damage the culture of accountability. While accidental failures are forgivable and even necessary, intentional failures eventually lead to consequences.Creating a Balanced Culture Around Failure
Healthy organizations make room for accidental failures while holding a firm line against intentional ones. This balance allows teams to innovate and learn while protecting everyone from repeated breakdowns. The standard is clear. Use your team. Plan ahead. Ask for help. Double-check your work. Follow the established process. If you do these things and still make a mistake, then you have simply made an accidental failure and that is not only acceptable but valuable. But if you choose to ignore these practices, then you are setting yourself up for intentional failure, and that has a limited shelf life. In the end, the real difference is intent. When we are intentional about learning and growth, mistakes can become our greatest teachers. When we are careless or unwilling to improve, mistakes turn into unnecessary setbacks.Key Takeaway
Accidental failures are natural, forgivable, and even necessary for growth, while intentional failures are the result of poor choices and carry consequences. The difference comes down to intent and accountability.If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our YouTube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
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