The positive side of failure

Abstract

Failure is an inevitable part of the work experience, even in the lives of very successful and highly respected people (Axelton, 1998; Diller, 1995). Despite (or potentially due to) the challenges, people who have successfully managed a significant failure describe it as an invaluable learning experience (Axelton, 1998; Diller, 1995; Hyatt & Gottlieb, 1988). The aim of our research is to examine the positive effects of experienced failures on an individual level in the world of work, to explore whom we associate these experiences with, and to discover how one’s perceptions regarding a negative experience can be utilized as positive resources. To first examine the concept of failure and its possible positive impacts. We conducted a questionnaire completed by 58 people. The results imply that the identification of failure as a positive resource is indeed possible, but it is of great importance to whom we associate this experience (H(2)=12,225, p=0,004).