BWW Blog: Micah Young - Too Afraid To Fail

In many circumstances we are taught to believe that failure is not an option. When we lose at sports or don't finish in first place, we fail. Anything less than perfection is unacceptable; I've seen this in the performing arts. The problem is though, we are not nor will we ever be perfect.

If we are afraid of 'failure' whatever meaning that word holds, then that discourages effort. I can't do that because what if I fail? Why should I try? If it's a matter of singing that high note, or getting out on the stage to execute the choreography, every one of us deals with the fear of failure. And it can mean something different for each of us.

How you ever worked in an environment where you were afraid to fail? I've experienced the situation where if there was one note of music out of place, or one person wasn't exactly where they were supposed to be in the performance, they were made an example of; they were punished, scolded or shamed in front of other performers. And while leaders, directors can rule with an iron fist, demanding respect and discipline, it also sets a tone of fear. Rather than focusing on the art, on the work and the performance, everyone begins to be afraid. Which only sets them up for more failure.

Could it be possible to create an environment where performers, employees, were encouraged to fail? Or to use a better phrase: to be encouraged to take risks and think openly about problem solving? Then they take ownership and are invested in the success of the whole.