The art and science of failing well
The Art and Science of Failing Well: Embracing Mistakes for Growth
Failure is often seen as a setback, but in this enlightening video, experts Tim Harford, Tal Ben-Shahar, and Robert Sutton explore how it can be the foundation of success. The central theme is that failure is inevitable, yet our responses to it are what define our journey. Emphasizing the importance of reframing failure as valuable information rather than a personal indictment, the panel challenges the stigma surrounding mistakes.
The video presents three distinct responses to failure: the “forgive and forget” method, the “Silicon Valley standard,” and the most effective approach of “forgive and remember.” While the first two methods lack accountability and encourage a fear of failure, “forgive and remember” fosters psychological safety, enabling organizations to learn from missteps.
Through personal anecdotes and well-known examples like Thomas Edison, the speakers argue that embracing our failures can lead to resilience, creativity, and ultimately, success. By cultivating an environment where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, both individuals and organizations can unlock their potential. If we shift our perspective on failure, we learn not just to survive it, but to thrive because of it.
Join the conversation on how to transform failure into a powerful learning tool and discover the art of failing well.
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We created this video in partnership with Unlikely Collaborators.
Failure is inevitable, but your response to it is a choice – and it makes all the difference.
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Journalist Tim Harford, PhD, psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD, and organizational behavior expert Robert Sutton, PhD, reveal how failure can become the foundation of success when it’s examined and built upon. Reframing failure as information, rather than a personal setback, is what sets productive thinkers apart.
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Video “The art and science of failing well” was uploaded on 12/10/2025 to Youtube Channel Big Think