On mistakes

"When people think that failure will lead to ignominy, they become less willing to admit it, or to try things that might risk bringing it about. Both have bad consequences. The sooner mistakes are acknowledged, the less damage is done and the quicker things are put right. And when people become too scared to risk making a mistake, there is little chance of innovation. The tried and tested becomes the preferred, safe option, even if the results of those tests are not exactly excellent."

This week's Herald column