How you talk about failure determines your success - in life and in your career.
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When asked about a failure in a job interview, do you come across as defensive, make excuses, and blame the situation, or other people?
Is your objective to convince the listener you were not responsible for the failure, and it should not be held against you?
Not wanting to be blamed, especially for something outside your control, is reasonable. Problem is, it rarely convinces the listener.
They wonder if you are telling the truth, and suspect you are refusing to accept responsibility for your own contribution.
I advise clients to take responsibility for the failure.
Do not be defensive.
Do not go hoarse trying to prove you are blameless.
Instead, admit there was a failure and accept responsibility.
Then set the context.
Explain the situation, explain what you were trying to do, mention what happened, and what action you took.
End with what you learnt from the incident, and what measures you have taken to ensure a similar mistake is not repeated.
If you do this right, the listener should be able to gauge your contribution more clearly, and also see you have learned your lessons and grown from it.
Learn to talk about failure - it can make you win.
