We’ve all heard “there’s no such thing as failure, only learning.” But how that lands really depends on the culture you create.

If we treat failure punitively, we:

• Undermine confidence and belonging
• Demotivate others
• Create fear
• Disempower ideas and perspectives
• Stifle creativity, productivity, and growth

It’s a heavy toll to pay.

But when we view failure as a learning opportunity, we:

• Foster a supportive, motivating environment
• Encourage adaptability and problem-solving
• Strengthen decision-making
• Turn setbacks into growth opportunities
• Build healthier communication, rooted in emotional intelligence

So, here’s the question: Are you creating a space where it’s safe to learn, even from mistakes? If not, could there be a new way to reframe errors as possibilities?

Psychological safety is a big topic, and learning from mistakes is just one part of it. In times of uncertainty, fear is natural—but learning drives progress. Mistakes can be powerful but often become costly when we don’t allow ourselves to learn from them.

My wish for more teams and organizational cultures is we continue to consciously work towards systems with less fear and more room for learning.

Together we have work to do. What might be a constructive starting point?

Two great resources to explore with much appreciation for their work: Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson and The Four Stages of Psychological Safety by Timothy R. Clark.

Thanks to Maeve O’Byrne, (she/her) PCC, MAIS, CEC for this wonderful quote in a webinar on psychological safety recently, with appreciation for Neil Pretty for expertise and time.