Regret Reduction through Prevention: Leadership Lessons

In his 1967 New York Review of Books’ essay, “God’s Country,” James Baldwin cautioned: “Though we would like to live without regrets, and sometimes proudly insist that we have none, this is not really possible, if only because we are mortal.” As children, many of us were schooled with fables on how to prevent problems via smart planning—build your house out of bricks not straw; diligence—store up for the winter instead of fiddling; and perseverance—slow and steady wins the race. Yet because we are human, we are condemned to imperfect foresight, resigning ourselves to a remorseful, “If only I had…”

Most of us regret decisions we have made in relationships, education, finances, and careers. If only I knew then, what I have learned since. How might have I handled that conflict differently or spoken to someone in a different way? What if I had taken that position instead of this one? Why did I hire him? I never anticipated that! And so forth!