Every leader is going to run into a time when their employees, friends, kids or even spouse fail or make a mistake. The key is being able to take failure and use it to teach and guide others. Studies have shown a ratio of 3 positive comments for every negative comment is the “Golden Ratio” for being able to take a failure and transform it into having both you as a leader grow but the person who failed learn from their mistake. This takes a negative situation and creates a positive one.
The reason 3 is significant is because it is the classic “goldilocks” situation, too much positive advice will just create an inflated opinion of ourselves and not allow us to learn from failure, we would truly not even see our mistakes nor know how we can improve from them. In terms of less positive advice, it becomes overbearing to people when every time they do something someone is there telling them how they did it wrong and then filling in just one positive remark. As future leaders it is important to keep this in mind, it will keep people motivated and learning.
I was fortunate enough to work for a company where my boss was a great leader, he practiced the Golden Ratio and it was not until this class that I realized it. This pushed me to do my work the right way but it also stopped me from being fearful or making a mistake because I knew Matt (my boss) would not get upset but use it as a moment for me to learn. This was also applied to his home life which consists of his wife and three kids. He was able to simply apply the Golden Ratio to all aspect of his life, which enabled him to be a better Boss, Father, and Husband.
BoweryJE22
Larry-
This is awesome that you wrote a blog on this because a few friends of mine brought this up in a conversation last night about being able view the positives and negatives and what it takes to weigh out the negatives. This summer I also had multiple learning experiences. My boss (Holly) was firm with the group of interns that were working for her, but also extended a lot of grace and wanted us to know that this is why we are here. TO LEARN.
That’s so cool that you were able to experience a type of leadership role that used the golden ratio. I agree that staying motivated is such an important thing to do especially as sales people. And taking that motivation and carrying it into the home is even more important.
After reading this blog, I immediately related the golden ratio to golf. Accepting failures or mistakes for what they are, and turning them around for your benefit is crucial. It’s easy sometimes to let our shortcomings have a toll on us. The best golfers in the world turn their failures into successes. If it wasn’t for our mistakes, sanctification and maturity wouldn’t be present.