You make mistakes. Mistakes don’t make you.
Maxwell Maltz

I made a big mistake- HUGE mistake. It was not intentional, but I did it never the less.  I also inadvertently hurt someone I  respect.  I felt physically ill after I realized what I had done. I  am grateful for this lesson.  I am currently  focusing on righting my wrong, owning my mistake and moving forward stronger because of it. It’s a lesson I have learned and I think I needed to learn.  It’s one I will not be repeating .

I am sure  there are other mistakes I will be making.

I promised myself that once a year I will create a failure report. This report will capture all of  my mistakes and the lessons learned. It will be used as a tool for growth and accountability. I plan on sharing this report with all those folks that have supported  and continue to support me as a young entrepreneur. This report scares me but I am committed to do it. Writing it makes me vulnerable, but also very real.  Its a way for me to honor myself and the folks I work with. It speaks to relationships and the  power they have in the work we do. A relationship is not real unless it has honesty and respect at its core.

A failure report is something I would love to see more non profits create on a yearly basis.Its a way that organizations  can become vulnerable, but also so very real to the communities they serve  and the people who love and support their mission.  A relationship with your donors and  communities is not real  unless it reflects honesty, respect and empowerment.  Its a way to look directly at your programs, donors and resources and hear what messages they have for you about your mission and work. Its not only what you do but how you do it that matters.  You can look at the projects that scared you  the ones that pushed and tested you and your staff. It allows you to make space and really look at the work you do– and hopefully learn.

Radical, maybe….. Needed, absolutely.

I see it as a way to release negative energy from within your organization.  You know what I am talking about- the mistakes that we hide. The mistakes that stay with us, that we never really forgive or forget.  Secrets and hiding behind secrets are the biggest mistake an organization can make.  It corrodes the trust of your staff and donors. It makes you weaker.  Appreciate your mistake and feel gratitude for them– they will actually make you stronger if you focus on the learning.