On the argument side, this can be termed brainstorming, discussion, argument; depends on your point of view and communication preferences. If nothing else, our political leaders and media pundits, and their constant squabbles, reinforce this reticence to embrace failure or regard arguments as a beneficial mechanism to getting things done.
But research shows these mechanisms can actually be very powerful tools for developing critical thinking skills, learning in general, and getting things done. Two recent blog articles discuss these issues in terms far more eloquent (and researched) than I could even attempt:
- The Importance of Thinking about Thinking
- Make Meetings More Productive by Arguing
- (addendum edit) Set Sail for Fail video (ALA 2010 Unconference session)
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6 comments:
Excellent post! Somewhat of a sidebar, but... I've recently exchanged a few tweets with @colleengreene and @kgs about project management and library culture. Perhaps one way to get us to have disagreements and build a positive context for discussing failures is to move in the direction of a PM culture. Project management does many things well. In the context of your blog post, the need for a project to have well defined outcomes, costs, responsibilities etc. creates an environment where the disagreements are around the project - not the people. Additionally, PM gives you to tools to look back on the project successes and failures - project stakeholders have a structure for arguments and can focus on making the next project better by learning from mistakes. -@shawncalhoun
Karen Klapperstuck and I presented an unconference at ALA 2010 Midwinter called "Set Sail for Fail" (this is my blog post containing the recap with links). We led a group discussion about failures within the library. Check out the video for the whole thing. It's something that Karen and I are working on for future conferences.
I am a vocal advocate for examining failures and figuring out why things didn't work. It's worth our time and energy; and the lessons learned can be applied to future endeavors.
Shawn - an excellent point, although I am a bit reticent of trying to fit everything we do into what can sometimes be somewhat stultifying PM model.But yes, I agree in general.
Andy - I apologize as I did see the video of your great unconference session and it's theme no doubt played it's part in getting me to think about failure. I will edit the post and add the link to your video!
@dana 100% agree - everything we do does not fit a PM model. Whatever it takes to move us along, I'm all for it.
@andy I watched parts of your unconference on Ustream - Well done! Kicking myself for note being there. The last few conferences i've managed to attend have been huge disappointments and I'm getting a bit gun shy about the mega-conferences.
I'm glad you liked the article. Thanks for sharing those excellent related links.
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