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In this Solo Byte episode, Sue Tetzlaff discusses the impact of failure on future progress and workplace culture in the workplace in the context of organizations striving to achieve big goals. She explores the idea of “intelligent failure,” as coined by Amy Edmondson, where undesired results occur in new territory. Sue emphasizes the importance of appreciating the gain of what has been achieved and/or progress has been made even when falling short. As well, encouragement to gain the lessons when analyzing the gap between desired and actual outcomes. She highlights the negative consequences of a fear of failure, such as setting soft goals and avoiding discussions about failures. Sue encourages organizations to create a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity and fosters constructive conversations.

• Failure is a natural part of striving to achieve big goals in organizations.
• Intelligent failure refers to undesired results in new territory.
• It is important to appreciate the gain from where you started to where you progressed, even when you fall short of the desired results.
• Get curious about uncovering the lessons when there is a gap between desired and actual outcomes.
• A fear of failure can lead to setting soft goals and avoiding discussions about failures.
• Creating a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity is crucial for fostering continuous growth and improvement.

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Hi! I’m Sue Tetzlaff. I’m a culture and execution strategist for small and rural healthcare organizations - helping them to be the provider and employer-of-choice so they can keep care local and margins strong.
For decades, I’ve worked with healthcare organizations to navigate the people-side of healthcare, the part that can make or break your results. What I’ve learned is this: culture is not a soft thing. It’s the hardest thing, and it determines everything.
When you’re ready to take your culture to the next level, here are three ways I can help you:
1. Listen to the Culture Change RX Podcast
Every week, I share conversations with leaders who are transforming healthcare workplaces and strategies for keeping teams engaged, patients loyal, and margins healthy.
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3. Break through to the next level of greatness in your organization with help from my team and me.
When you’re ready to be the provider and employer-of-choice, we’ll help you implement proven frameworks that strengthen culture, improve experience and ensure your organization thrives.
You can email me at [email protected] and put “BREAKTHROUGH” in the subject line and I’ll get you all the details.