Want to start 2026 with a better mindset around leadership, culture, and continuous improvement?
As we begin the year, it's a natural time to reflect–not just on what went well last year, but also on what didn't, and what we can learn from it.
To support that kind of reflection, I'm giving away three signed paperback copies of The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation (a Shingo Award recipient).
Why Learning from Mistakes Matters in Lean
One of the key lessons in the book–and one that deeply aligns with Lean thinking–is this:
If we punish mistakes, we prevent learning.
In many organizations, the fear of blame or retribution causes people to hide problems. That fear erodes trust, stifles improvement, and undermines the kind of psychological safety that's essential for Lean culture. But when leaders respond to mistakes with curiosity instead of judgment, they open the door to real learning, better systems, and stronger teams.
This book explores how individuals and organizations can shift from a culture of fear to a culture of continuous improvement–where mistakes are surfaced, studied, and used as catalysts for change.
In this book, you'll discover:
- How leaders can respond to mistakes without blame
- Real examples of organizations that turned failures into innovation
- Practical steps to build a culture of psychological safety and continuous improvement
- Why a healthy mistake culture is essential to Lean thinking
Enter the Giveaway – Start 2026 with Growth
If that sounds like the kind of culture you want to build or reinforce in 2026, I invite you to enter the giveaway.
The giveaway is open through January 16th. Thank you for being part of the Lean Blog community, and here's to a new year focused on learning, reflection, and growth.
Enter the Giveaway Now“A must-read for any leader committed to learning and improvement.”
— Katie Anderson, Author of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn
What's one mistake you've learned from in the past year? I'd love to hear your reflections in the comments.
Please scroll down (or click) to post a comment. Connect with me on LinkedIn.
If you’re working to build a culture where people feel safe to speak up, solve problems, and improve every day, I’d be glad to help. Let’s talk about how to strengthen Psychological Safety and Continuous Improvement in your organization.
