Meaning: Charles Kettering, an American inventor, engineer, and businessman, made a significant impact on the automotive industry through his inventions and innovative ideas. One of his famous quotes, "The biggest job we have is to teach a newly hired employee how to fail intelligently. We have to train him to experiment over and over and to keep on trying and failing until he learns what will work," reflects his deep understanding of the value of learning from failure and the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks.

In this quote, Kettering emphasizes the crucial role of failure in the process of learning and development, particularly in the context of a newly hired employee. Instead of fearing failure or viewing it as a negative outcome, Kettering advocates for embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. He highlights the need to train employees to approach their work with a mindset that encourages experimentation, persistence, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Kettering's emphasis on "failing intelligently" underscores the importance of mindful and strategic approaches to failure. Rather than simply accepting failure as a final outcome, Kettering suggests that individuals should approach failure as a learning experience. By analyzing the reasons behind the failure, experimenting with different approaches, and persisting in the face of adversity, employees can gain valuable insights and knowledge that can ultimately lead to success.

Moreover, Kettering's call to "keep on trying and failing until he learns what will work" aligns with the concept of iteration and continuous improvement. He recognizes that success often requires a process of trial and error, where individuals must be willing to persistently iterate and refine their approaches based on the lessons learned from previous failures. This iterative process not only fosters innovation and creativity but also builds resilience and adaptability in employees as they navigate complex challenges.

From an organizational perspective, Kettering's quote underscores the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages employees to take calculated risks, learn from their failures, and ultimately contribute to the organization's growth and success. By fostering a culture that values intelligent failure, organizations can cultivate a workforce that is proactive, innovative, and resilient in the face of uncertainty and change.

In conclusion, Charles Kettering's quote encapsulates the profound wisdom of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. By advocating for the intelligent and strategic approach to failure, Kettering highlights the transformative power of learning from setbacks, persisting in the face of challenges, and continuously refining one's approach. His words serve as a timeless reminder of the value of resilience, perseverance, and a growth mindset in both individual and organizational contexts.