Are we learning from failures or are we just going in circles?

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed countless failures, at every level of society and business—that contributed to the crisis we’re still living through. As we sift through the data and reports, it’s clear there were moments where things simply didn’t go right. And as time passes, we’ll likely uncover even more missteps. The real question is: will we actually learn from these failures and be better prepared for the next crisis?

I recently came across an interesting perspective on the value of failure. While Nick Morgan’s article focused on public speaking, his points resonate far beyond that topic. He highlights research suggesting we often struggle to learn from our own mistakes, but we’re more likely to learn from the failures of others. Another study suggests there’s a “sweet spot” for failure—if it’s not overwhelming, we can understand; if it’s too much, we shut down.

Before the pandemic, “working from home” was often met with skepticism. There was this unspoken assumption that productivity would drop and people would miss out on important in-person conversations. Admit it—at some point, you’ve heard (or said) something like, “Sure, working from home,” complete with air quotes.

Early attempts at remote work had their share of problems. Some people took advantage of the flexibility, treating it like a quasi-day off. Others weren’t prepared for the discipline and focus remote work demands, with household distractions and the temptation of comfy clothes or streaming TV always nearby.

But here’s the good news: organizations have learned from those early failures. Thanks to new technology, better processes, and a shift in mindset, a considerable portion of society is now working from home successfully. We’ve seen that productivity doesn’t have to suffer, and teams can stay connected—even when everyone’s apart.

Will this last forever? I doubt it. While remote work will remain a bigger part of our lives, most of us still need that in-person connection—for both productivity and mental health. Countless studies demonstrate the importance of face-to-face interaction for well-being, so offices won’t disappear entirely.

If there’s one thing this pandemic has shown, it’s that failure, when it’s in the right range, can fuel real, lasting change. We’ve learned how to adapt, work differently, and support one another in tough times. The key is to carry those lessons forward, so we’re better equipped for whatever comes next.