"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." Winston Churchill

As a leader, it may appear counterintuitive to list failure as an asset rather than a liability. Failure is, by definition, a lack of success. Despite the connotation, failures are essential landmarks on the road to becoming a successful leader.

Failure Comes From Action
While there is no need to reinvent the wheel – popular fundraisers and service activities don't need to be scrapped just to try something new – that doesn't mean your HOSA chapter cannot explore other means to reach its goals. Stepping out in faith and taking a risk in new ventures could blow up in your face-but it could also lead to innovation and great networking opportunities. More than likely, if you reach the end of the year and have zero failures to report, it means your leadership did not enter any uncharted territory. Safe? Yes. Bold? Nope.

Failure Widens Your Lens
If a fundraising opportunity your chapter was counting on nets a whopping $50, you will be forced to explore new opportunities to bankroll your trip to HOSA nationals. Paths left unexamined will come to light, and you just might stumble on something even better. If nothing else, you will gain some resourcefulness in the process-and the ability to find answers is just as valuable as having them.

Failure Brings Wisdom
Sure, it is really fun to stick to things where success comes easily – to be elected President of a chapter that has been around for 30 years and runs like clockwork. But maybe your brand new little chapter is struggling to gain membership and it constantly feels like you are swimming upstream. Making decisions, taking action, and picking up pieces from failures, big or small, will provide more leadership know-how than inheriting a finely tuned chapter that almost runs itself. So whether your HOSA chapter excels easily or is fighting to get off the ground – take chances. Fail. Succeed. Learn.