In our technologically advanced world, learning from mistakes is becoming rare. Most of the young workforce has grown up with a computer in their hand. Debating an issue with friends or arguing with family members about how to do a task or who they recall won a game are things of the past. Now, the answers are all on their phones, or they can look at videos of someone who has already done it. As great as all this sounds, I believe it comes at a great expense.

   People no longer make decisions because they are afraid they will make the wrong one. Back in the 1980’s, when I was learning my craft, if I didn’t know what decision to make and needed to ask my boss, I might be able to “beep”  him on his pager and maybe, if I was lucky, get a return call in an hour or so. If we were on deadline or a customer was standing in front of me and I couldn’t wait, then I had to make a decision, even if it turned out to be the wrong decision. Due to the circumstances, I just couldn’t wait. Needless to say, I learned some very valuable lessons making the wrong decisions. With today’s cell phones younger workers don’t have to make a decision. All it takes is a phone call, text or e-mail to their boss and that decision is made for them.  This may sound good to owners or supervisors, but if you want to develop talent or grow your people, I would ask you to resist the temptation of making all the decisions yourselves. Everybody needs to dive into the deep-end for the first time.

    I hope you enjoy this read.