Yesterday morning, I drove to a local client to facilitate a lunch-and-learn workshop featuring the Deming “Red Bead Game” and “Process Behavior Charts.” Read more about those topics in my book, Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More.
I was supposed to meet my host at 10:30 AM in the lobby of their building. By 10:35, I realized I was in the wrong building–the correct street, but 1.5 miles away from the right spot.
Cue the panic. I quickly jumped back into my car, silently (okay, maybe audibly) cursing myself for making such an avoidable mistake.
But then, as I drove off, this song came on the SiriusXM 80s channel:
“I'm only human
Of flesh and blood, I'm made
Human
Born to make mistakes”
The timing couldn't have been better–or more ironic. It was a humbling and much-needed reminder: even when you talk about learning from mistakes and practicing kindness when they happen, it's easy to slip into self-criticism in the moment.
Yesterday, I had to take my own advice: embrace the mistake, laugh at the irony, and move forward.
Have you ever had one of those “perfect timing” moments where a song, quote, or experience gave you the exact perspective you needed? I'd love to hear about it!
The song:
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Let’s work together to build a culture of continuous improvement and psychological safety. If you're a leader looking to create lasting change—not just projects—I help organizations:
- Engage people at all levels in sustainable improvement
- Shift from fear of mistakes to learning from them
- Apply Lean thinking in practical, people-centered ways
Interested in coaching or a keynote talk? Let’s start a conversation.
