Amy Edmondson
@amycedmondson.bsky.social
Prof @ Harvard Biz. Author of #RightKindOfWrong.
Per Thinkers50, I'm the #1 management thinker in the 🌎 (I know, I don't quite believe it myself)
https://amycedmondson.com
Per Thinkers50, I'm the #1 management thinker in the 🌎 (I know, I don't quite believe it myself)
https://amycedmondson.com
Pinned
Amy Edmondson
@amycedmondson.bsky.social
· Dec 14
Experimenting, trying new things, and pivoting when something isn't working are all necessary for meaningful progress. As far as experiments go, I'm optimistic about Bluesky!
Eager to connect with my contacts here...say hello in the comments 👋
Eager to connect with my contacts here...say hello in the comments 👋
A small nugget from my conversation with the folks at @workhuman.bsky.social
Building a truly fearless org requires work at all levels. Education, leadership messaging, and feedback are great ways to start!
#PsychologicalSafety #Leadership
Building a truly fearless org requires work at all levels. Education, leadership messaging, and feedback are great ways to start!
#PsychologicalSafety #Leadership
July 3, 2025 at 10:10 PM
A small nugget from my conversation with the folks at @workhuman.bsky.social
Building a truly fearless org requires work at all levels. Education, leadership messaging, and feedback are great ways to start!
#PsychologicalSafety #Leadership
Building a truly fearless org requires work at all levels. Education, leadership messaging, and feedback are great ways to start!
#PsychologicalSafety #Leadership
2nd place can feel disastrous, but the sting of “almost” is less a verdict on your potential than an invitation to hone it
My new article in @fastcompany.com, written w/ Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, is all about how near misses can teach us more than successes:
www.fastcompany.com/91345595/the...
My new article in @fastcompany.com, written w/ Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, is all about how near misses can teach us more than successes:
www.fastcompany.com/91345595/the...
July 1, 2025 at 10:01 PM
2nd place can feel disastrous, but the sting of “almost” is less a verdict on your potential than an invitation to hone it
My new article in @fastcompany.com, written w/ Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, is all about how near misses can teach us more than successes:
www.fastcompany.com/91345595/the...
My new article in @fastcompany.com, written w/ Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, is all about how near misses can teach us more than successes:
www.fastcompany.com/91345595/the...
I'm joining Stephen M. R. Covey & Liz Wiseman on June 16 @ 1 PM EST to discuss the current challenges leaders are facing + strategies for creating effective change amidst uncertainty & disruption
I hope to see you there! Register:
www.franklincovey.com/events/webca...
I hope to see you there! Register:
www.franklincovey.com/events/webca...
June 10, 2025 at 9:02 PM
I'm joining Stephen M. R. Covey & Liz Wiseman on June 16 @ 1 PM EST to discuss the current challenges leaders are facing + strategies for creating effective change amidst uncertainty & disruption
I hope to see you there! Register:
www.franklincovey.com/events/webca...
I hope to see you there! Register:
www.franklincovey.com/events/webca...
Sometimes failure can be a gift.
Failing a calculus exam in college was caused by my inadequate studying. But it forced me to ask myself hard questions about the work I truly loved—and that which I was likely doing to please others.
In what ways has #failure shown up as a gift in your life?
Failing a calculus exam in college was caused by my inadequate studying. But it forced me to ask myself hard questions about the work I truly loved—and that which I was likely doing to please others.
In what ways has #failure shown up as a gift in your life?
June 9, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Sometimes failure can be a gift.
Failing a calculus exam in college was caused by my inadequate studying. But it forced me to ask myself hard questions about the work I truly loved—and that which I was likely doing to please others.
In what ways has #failure shown up as a gift in your life?
Failing a calculus exam in college was caused by my inadequate studying. But it forced me to ask myself hard questions about the work I truly loved—and that which I was likely doing to please others.
In what ways has #failure shown up as a gift in your life?
We can't erase human error, but we can aim for zero harm
Complex failures—ones caused by an accumulation of many little things—require multiple layers of defense to combat
Learning from past failures, welcoming false alarms, & building #PsychologicalSafety are great ways to start
📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
Complex failures—ones caused by an accumulation of many little things—require multiple layers of defense to combat
Learning from past failures, welcoming false alarms, & building #PsychologicalSafety are great ways to start
📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
June 2, 2025 at 9:57 PM
We can't erase human error, but we can aim for zero harm
Complex failures—ones caused by an accumulation of many little things—require multiple layers of defense to combat
Learning from past failures, welcoming false alarms, & building #PsychologicalSafety are great ways to start
📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
Complex failures—ones caused by an accumulation of many little things—require multiple layers of defense to combat
Learning from past failures, welcoming false alarms, & building #PsychologicalSafety are great ways to start
📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
Are you operating in a healthy #failure culture?
Organizations and teams that have #PsychologicalSafety will hear more negatives—not because they are less capable—but because they feel comfortable speaking up about problems, concerns, & questions
So, did your team score more 🟩 or 🟥?
Organizations and teams that have #PsychologicalSafety will hear more negatives—not because they are less capable—but because they feel comfortable speaking up about problems, concerns, & questions
So, did your team score more 🟩 or 🟥?
May 29, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Are you operating in a healthy #failure culture?
Organizations and teams that have #PsychologicalSafety will hear more negatives—not because they are less capable—but because they feel comfortable speaking up about problems, concerns, & questions
So, did your team score more 🟩 or 🟥?
Organizations and teams that have #PsychologicalSafety will hear more negatives—not because they are less capable—but because they feel comfortable speaking up about problems, concerns, & questions
So, did your team score more 🟩 or 🟥?
I call "failing well" a science for a reason…because it's much more than a catchy term
#FailingWell describes the systematic approach to understanding failure: how we think about, talk about, & learn from them
It takes practice & dedication to fail well, but these 5 practices can help you start!
#FailingWell describes the systematic approach to understanding failure: how we think about, talk about, & learn from them
It takes practice & dedication to fail well, but these 5 practices can help you start!
April 22, 2025 at 6:51 PM
I call "failing well" a science for a reason…because it's much more than a catchy term
#FailingWell describes the systematic approach to understanding failure: how we think about, talk about, & learn from them
It takes practice & dedication to fail well, but these 5 practices can help you start!
#FailingWell describes the systematic approach to understanding failure: how we think about, talk about, & learn from them
It takes practice & dedication to fail well, but these 5 practices can help you start!
The act of learning is a conscious one.
Be curious, ask questions, & challenge your existing beliefs. It's the only way to grow beyond the status quo and progress—as individuals, communities, and society as a whole
Listen:
talentdevelopmentleaderpodcast.libsyn.com/embracing-in...
Be curious, ask questions, & challenge your existing beliefs. It's the only way to grow beyond the status quo and progress—as individuals, communities, and society as a whole
Listen:
talentdevelopmentleaderpodcast.libsyn.com/embracing-in...
April 18, 2025 at 10:31 PM
The act of learning is a conscious one.
Be curious, ask questions, & challenge your existing beliefs. It's the only way to grow beyond the status quo and progress—as individuals, communities, and society as a whole
Listen:
talentdevelopmentleaderpodcast.libsyn.com/embracing-in...
Be curious, ask questions, & challenge your existing beliefs. It's the only way to grow beyond the status quo and progress—as individuals, communities, and society as a whole
Listen:
talentdevelopmentleaderpodcast.libsyn.com/embracing-in...
It's all too common to interpret failures as painful evidence that we're not good enough.
But a learning frame is not only healthier, it’s more rational, more motivating, & more in tune with the uncertainty and constant challenges found in any life or job.
More in #RightKindOfWrong📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
But a learning frame is not only healthier, it’s more rational, more motivating, & more in tune with the uncertainty and constant challenges found in any life or job.
More in #RightKindOfWrong📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
March 24, 2025 at 9:58 PM
It's all too common to interpret failures as painful evidence that we're not good enough.
But a learning frame is not only healthier, it’s more rational, more motivating, & more in tune with the uncertainty and constant challenges found in any life or job.
More in #RightKindOfWrong📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
But a learning frame is not only healthier, it’s more rational, more motivating, & more in tune with the uncertainty and constant challenges found in any life or job.
More in #RightKindOfWrong📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
The Fearless Organization has launched as a videobook on LIT!
In just 37 minutes, you'll get practical insights on how to create #PsychologicalSafety & high-performing teams.
Creating this was a wonderful experience...I'm thrilled to have it out in the world!
🎥 litvideobooks.com/the-fearless...
In just 37 minutes, you'll get practical insights on how to create #PsychologicalSafety & high-performing teams.
Creating this was a wonderful experience...I'm thrilled to have it out in the world!
🎥 litvideobooks.com/the-fearless...
March 21, 2025 at 8:09 PM
The Fearless Organization has launched as a videobook on LIT!
In just 37 minutes, you'll get practical insights on how to create #PsychologicalSafety & high-performing teams.
Creating this was a wonderful experience...I'm thrilled to have it out in the world!
🎥 litvideobooks.com/the-fearless...
In just 37 minutes, you'll get practical insights on how to create #PsychologicalSafety & high-performing teams.
Creating this was a wonderful experience...I'm thrilled to have it out in the world!
🎥 litvideobooks.com/the-fearless...
Too often, great ideas go unheard, mistakes go unspoken, & teams hold back instead of speaking up
That's why I'm thrilled to share #TheFearlessOrganization is coming to LIT, transforming key insights from my book into a dynamic videobook designed for busy leaders
Here's a sneak peek before 03/18!
That's why I'm thrilled to share #TheFearlessOrganization is coming to LIT, transforming key insights from my book into a dynamic videobook designed for busy leaders
Here's a sneak peek before 03/18!
March 14, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Too often, great ideas go unheard, mistakes go unspoken, & teams hold back instead of speaking up
That's why I'm thrilled to share #TheFearlessOrganization is coming to LIT, transforming key insights from my book into a dynamic videobook designed for busy leaders
Here's a sneak peek before 03/18!
That's why I'm thrilled to share #TheFearlessOrganization is coming to LIT, transforming key insights from my book into a dynamic videobook designed for busy leaders
Here's a sneak peek before 03/18!
When we experiment, we hope our hypotheses are right. But we must act to know for sure.
You might be experimenting with a new hairstyle rather than a chemical to separate RNA, but there is no substitute for action!
More in #RightKindOfWrong 📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
You might be experimenting with a new hairstyle rather than a chemical to separate RNA, but there is no substitute for action!
More in #RightKindOfWrong 📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
March 12, 2025 at 7:25 PM
When we experiment, we hope our hypotheses are right. But we must act to know for sure.
You might be experimenting with a new hairstyle rather than a chemical to separate RNA, but there is no substitute for action!
More in #RightKindOfWrong 📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
You might be experimenting with a new hairstyle rather than a chemical to separate RNA, but there is no substitute for action!
More in #RightKindOfWrong 📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
The first time you try something new—and several times after that—you won't achieve mastery. If you do, perhaps it's time to call Guinness World Records!
Instead, focus on the satisfaction of improving and celebrate your progress as you learn 👏👏👏
More in #RightKindOfWrong: bit.ly/RKWBook
Instead, focus on the satisfaction of improving and celebrate your progress as you learn 👏👏👏
More in #RightKindOfWrong: bit.ly/RKWBook
March 6, 2025 at 10:39 PM
The first time you try something new—and several times after that—you won't achieve mastery. If you do, perhaps it's time to call Guinness World Records!
Instead, focus on the satisfaction of improving and celebrate your progress as you learn 👏👏👏
More in #RightKindOfWrong: bit.ly/RKWBook
Instead, focus on the satisfaction of improving and celebrate your progress as you learn 👏👏👏
More in #RightKindOfWrong: bit.ly/RKWBook
...and when we put that acceptance to use in learning & improving!
The most successful teams openly discuss the chance that things will go wrong. This nurtures the #PsychologicalSafety you need for people to speak up quickly, & that's what #FailingWell is all about
#RightKindOfWrong bit.ly/RKWBook
The most successful teams openly discuss the chance that things will go wrong. This nurtures the #PsychologicalSafety you need for people to speak up quickly, & that's what #FailingWell is all about
#RightKindOfWrong bit.ly/RKWBook
February 24, 2025 at 11:11 PM
...and when we put that acceptance to use in learning & improving!
The most successful teams openly discuss the chance that things will go wrong. This nurtures the #PsychologicalSafety you need for people to speak up quickly, & that's what #FailingWell is all about
#RightKindOfWrong bit.ly/RKWBook
The most successful teams openly discuss the chance that things will go wrong. This nurtures the #PsychologicalSafety you need for people to speak up quickly, & that's what #FailingWell is all about
#RightKindOfWrong bit.ly/RKWBook
This will be a fun one! I'm interviewing Rick Williams about his new book, Create the Future, at the Harvard Club in Boston on Feb 25
We'll discuss how to make better decisions & navigate uncertainty…the event is open to all, so I hope too see you there
Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/create-the...
We'll discuss how to make better decisions & navigate uncertainty…the event is open to all, so I hope too see you there
Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/create-the...
February 20, 2025 at 8:05 PM
This will be a fun one! I'm interviewing Rick Williams about his new book, Create the Future, at the Harvard Club in Boston on Feb 25
We'll discuss how to make better decisions & navigate uncertainty…the event is open to all, so I hope too see you there
Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/create-the...
We'll discuss how to make better decisions & navigate uncertainty…the event is open to all, so I hope too see you there
Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/create-the...
I'm a huge fan of the work @burkeoptimist.bsky.social does to encourage (and accomplish!) a hopeful vision for our future
We could all use a little more hope right now, so getting the opportunity to appear on their Blue Sky podcast was an honor
Listen🎙 www.theoptimisminstitute.com/episodes/amy...
We could all use a little more hope right now, so getting the opportunity to appear on their Blue Sky podcast was an honor
Listen🎙 www.theoptimisminstitute.com/episodes/amy...
February 12, 2025 at 11:21 PM
I'm a huge fan of the work @burkeoptimist.bsky.social does to encourage (and accomplish!) a hopeful vision for our future
We could all use a little more hope right now, so getting the opportunity to appear on their Blue Sky podcast was an honor
Listen🎙 www.theoptimisminstitute.com/episodes/amy...
We could all use a little more hope right now, so getting the opportunity to appear on their Blue Sky podcast was an honor
Listen🎙 www.theoptimisminstitute.com/episodes/amy...
Why is learning from #failure so difficult?
Our natural motivation to protect our self-image & avoid shame makes it hard to confront our failures constructively.
The good news? This skill can be improved with practice.
Next time you experience failure, ask: What's 1 new thing I learned from this?
Our natural motivation to protect our self-image & avoid shame makes it hard to confront our failures constructively.
The good news? This skill can be improved with practice.
Next time you experience failure, ask: What's 1 new thing I learned from this?
February 10, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Why is learning from #failure so difficult?
Our natural motivation to protect our self-image & avoid shame makes it hard to confront our failures constructively.
The good news? This skill can be improved with practice.
Next time you experience failure, ask: What's 1 new thing I learned from this?
Our natural motivation to protect our self-image & avoid shame makes it hard to confront our failures constructively.
The good news? This skill can be improved with practice.
Next time you experience failure, ask: What's 1 new thing I learned from this?
While it's true face-to-face time is essential for fostering #PsychologicalSafety, strict RTO mandates (which often breed distrust) are not the solution
Instead, we should inspire workers to return to the office on their own terms
New article in @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/ryanan...
Instead, we should inspire workers to return to the office on their own terms
New article in @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/ryanan...
February 6, 2025 at 11:55 PM
While it's true face-to-face time is essential for fostering #PsychologicalSafety, strict RTO mandates (which often breed distrust) are not the solution
Instead, we should inspire workers to return to the office on their own terms
New article in @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/ryanan...
Instead, we should inspire workers to return to the office on their own terms
New article in @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/ryanan...
What makes a #failure intelligent? Here are my four key attributes:
1. Takes place in new territory
2. Working toward a clear, desired goal
3. Informed by available knowledge
4. No larger than necessary
(A bonus attribute is that the failure's lessons are learned and used to guide next steps.)
1. Takes place in new territory
2. Working toward a clear, desired goal
3. Informed by available knowledge
4. No larger than necessary
(A bonus attribute is that the failure's lessons are learned and used to guide next steps.)
February 3, 2025 at 11:03 PM
What makes a #failure intelligent? Here are my four key attributes:
1. Takes place in new territory
2. Working toward a clear, desired goal
3. Informed by available knowledge
4. No larger than necessary
(A bonus attribute is that the failure's lessons are learned and used to guide next steps.)
1. Takes place in new territory
2. Working toward a clear, desired goal
3. Informed by available knowledge
4. No larger than necessary
(A bonus attribute is that the failure's lessons are learned and used to guide next steps.)
As I say often, failures are investments we've already paid for. Growth comes from making the most of these investments: learning what we can, pivoting when needed, & taking smart steps forward
🎙️Listen to my Finding Mastery podcast episode for more!
findingmastery.com/podcasts/amy...
🎙️Listen to my Finding Mastery podcast episode for more!
findingmastery.com/podcasts/amy...
January 31, 2025 at 11:17 PM
As I say often, failures are investments we've already paid for. Growth comes from making the most of these investments: learning what we can, pivoting when needed, & taking smart steps forward
🎙️Listen to my Finding Mastery podcast episode for more!
findingmastery.com/podcasts/amy...
🎙️Listen to my Finding Mastery podcast episode for more!
findingmastery.com/podcasts/amy...
You're not alone if #failure makes you feel disappointed or embarrassed. But instead of pushing those feelings away, push yourself to be curious!
Learning from failure is necessary to reap its benefits. Confront the facts rationally. Stop & think about what went wrong so as to inform your next step
Learning from failure is necessary to reap its benefits. Confront the facts rationally. Stop & think about what went wrong so as to inform your next step
January 20, 2025 at 11:06 PM
You're not alone if #failure makes you feel disappointed or embarrassed. But instead of pushing those feelings away, push yourself to be curious!
Learning from failure is necessary to reap its benefits. Confront the facts rationally. Stop & think about what went wrong so as to inform your next step
Learning from failure is necessary to reap its benefits. Confront the facts rationally. Stop & think about what went wrong so as to inform your next step
For anyone looking to improve their #leadership skills or prioritize personal growth in the new year, I'll be joining Heather Younger for a webinar on January 28th at 1 PM EST
We'll discuss her new book The Art of Self-Leadership (out February 11th) & host a live Q&A!
Register now: bit.ly/4haOKMo
We'll discuss her new book The Art of Self-Leadership (out February 11th) & host a live Q&A!
Register now: bit.ly/4haOKMo
January 14, 2025 at 8:46 PM
For anyone looking to improve their #leadership skills or prioritize personal growth in the new year, I'll be joining Heather Younger for a webinar on January 28th at 1 PM EST
We'll discuss her new book The Art of Self-Leadership (out February 11th) & host a live Q&A!
Register now: bit.ly/4haOKMo
We'll discuss her new book The Art of Self-Leadership (out February 11th) & host a live Q&A!
Register now: bit.ly/4haOKMo
In order for teams & orgs to benefit from intelligent failures, you need to share them openly
When an #IntelligentFailure goes undiscussed, others may repeat the same experiment. The result? Inefficiency
Sharing failures helps encourage innovation, cultivate closer relationships, & combat shame
When an #IntelligentFailure goes undiscussed, others may repeat the same experiment. The result? Inefficiency
Sharing failures helps encourage innovation, cultivate closer relationships, & combat shame
January 13, 2025 at 11:21 PM
In order for teams & orgs to benefit from intelligent failures, you need to share them openly
When an #IntelligentFailure goes undiscussed, others may repeat the same experiment. The result? Inefficiency
Sharing failures helps encourage innovation, cultivate closer relationships, & combat shame
When an #IntelligentFailure goes undiscussed, others may repeat the same experiment. The result? Inefficiency
Sharing failures helps encourage innovation, cultivate closer relationships, & combat shame
The Torrey Canyon oil spill. NASA's Columbia shuttle disaster. The Notre Dame fire.
While not all complex failures occur on such a grand scale, they do all come from a 'perfect storm' of missed signals, deviations from procedure, & other smaller failures
But catching & preventing them is possible:
While not all complex failures occur on such a grand scale, they do all come from a 'perfect storm' of missed signals, deviations from procedure, & other smaller failures
But catching & preventing them is possible:
January 8, 2025 at 11:01 PM
The Torrey Canyon oil spill. NASA's Columbia shuttle disaster. The Notre Dame fire.
While not all complex failures occur on such a grand scale, they do all come from a 'perfect storm' of missed signals, deviations from procedure, & other smaller failures
But catching & preventing them is possible:
While not all complex failures occur on such a grand scale, they do all come from a 'perfect storm' of missed signals, deviations from procedure, & other smaller failures
But catching & preventing them is possible:
Learning from #failure is difficult for a host of reasons. Maybe we ignore it or don't speak up. Maybe it threatens our self-esteem or triggers feelings of shame
The 'learning-from-failure' process isn’t easy. But the more we practice, the more we can learn & grow
📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
The 'learning-from-failure' process isn’t easy. But the more we practice, the more we can learn & grow
📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
January 6, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Learning from #failure is difficult for a host of reasons. Maybe we ignore it or don't speak up. Maybe it threatens our self-esteem or triggers feelings of shame
The 'learning-from-failure' process isn’t easy. But the more we practice, the more we can learn & grow
📕 bit.ly/RKWBook
The 'learning-from-failure' process isn’t easy. But the more we practice, the more we can learn & grow
📕 bit.ly/RKWBook