Right Kind of Wrong

Right Kind of Wrong by Amy Edmondson is a transformative exploration of how embracing the right kind of failure can lead to exceptional success and resilience within teams. This groundbreaking book delves deeply into the concept of "intelligent failure," a revolutionary approach that promises to change how we perceive and handle setbacks in both professional and personal contexts.

Winner of the prestigious Financial Times Business Book of the Year Award, Right Kind of Wrong is lauded by celebrated authors and industry experts alike. Tim Harford, author of The Undercover Economist, describes it as "Absolutely outstanding," while Angela Duckworth, author of Grit, calls it "A masterclass." Andrew Hill of the Financial Times hails it as "Excellent."

While traditional views paint failure as something to be shunned, and contemporary wisdom often promotes the mantra "fail fast, fail often," Edmondson argues that neither approach effectively distinguishes between beneficial and detrimental failures. Drawing on her extensive research spanning four decades, Edmondson, a world-leading Harvard professor and the most influential organisational psychologist, reveals how we commonly misunderstand failure and offers a clear strategy to harness its potential.

In Right Kind of Wrong, Edmondson introduces readers to the three archetypes of failure: basic, complex, and intelligent. She elucidates how recognising and fostering intelligent failure can unlock unprecedented levels of innovation, resilience, and happiness within teams. Intelligent failures provide valuable learning opportunities and pave the way for extraordinary success by encouraging smarter risks and informed decisions.

One of the book’s central tenets is a provocative yet straightforward question: What if it is only by learning to fail that we can truly succeed? Edmondson's insights into the dynamics of some of the world’s most effective teams serve as both a guide and inspiration for those seeking to leverage failure as a stepping stone to greater achievements.

Recognised as one of the Books of the Year by the Financial Times, Right Kind of Wrong offers a well-defined path to stop fearing failure and instead, use it as a powerful tool for positive transformation. This detailed and thought-provoking book is essential reading for anyone looking to enhance their team's success and adaptability through the intelligent application of failure.