ANALYSIS

If we accept and learn from failure, it brings out best in us

IT IS important not to run away from failure. If you do, you will never confront your demons. But when you say “It’s my fault” immediately, you can move on.

Gareth Southgate talked about it, he said sorry, he didn’t disappear into the night. He took the blame and quietly went on, while many would be shattered, afraid to put a foot wrong again. It also helped that he doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously. He can laugh at situations and a sense of humour always helps.

What happened in 1996 has given him more determination and self-motivation. Being told you are a failure could hold you back or you could say, “Right, I’m going to prove you wrong”. And that’s what he did. Importantly, he has chosen to learn from his experiences. He knows what failure is and therefore knows how to support his team if they fail. He has learned empathy, which allows him to be a good leader. He has also learned to remain a modest man and to be calm, to get on with his job.

It shows what failure can do – it can bring the very best in a person.