In a recent SlashDot story was about an article Eric Sink posted in MSDN. All rhetoric and dogma aside, I found the article interesting and inwardly stimulating. Repeating what many are now saying, including Tom Peters, the article is entitled “Make More Mistakes”. A slogan I have adopted recently is “NO FEAR!” However empowering this all may seem, Eric does drop one jewel among his valuable anecdotes. A demanding introspective caution: “There is no substitute for knowing your own abilities and limitations.”

A most valuable reminder, indeed. Me being the reflective person that I am, I could not resist taking a shot at reminding myself of my limitations. I’ve already been through my strengths, skills and abilities quite a few times since After Corporate America’s Death (ACAD). Although probably a revealing and potentially compromising confession, I feel by sharing these limitations I now know where I have to focus my continuing education program. In no particular order:

1. too trusting
2. dislike relationship politics
3. believe in fairness
4. lack organization
5. weak finishing or delivering projects
6. pride, arrogance
7. dislike administrivia
8. lack experience in building empowering relationships.

When I make mistakes on this project, I’m sure they are going to be in one or more of these areas. However, I believe there is another disclaimer that must accompany the “Fail Faster, Succeed Sooner” mentality, which is the unbreakable rule: “Never make the same mistake twice!” Yes we should learn valuable lessons from making mistakes, but more than anything we should learn never to make the same ones again. 03