Reviewing: Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed
My impressions: I was looking for resources on the topic of lesson learning from mistakes and failures. I read multiple books including The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle, Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell, Self Renewal by John W. Gardner, and this book. I recommend Black Box Thinking and Self Renewal. Black Box Thinking shares its several core messages through detailed and related stories with the backbone of how the aviation industry has been reducing failures over time much faster than the healthcare industry, criminal justice system, and other fields.
Messages stood out for me:
The book conveys three key messages: 1) All success and innovation comes from learning from failures. 2) Learning from failures relies on having the right kind of system - one that harnesses errors as a means of driving progress. 3) To have that system, you need a mindset that enables such a system to flourish.
I was particularly drawn to the third point. The book explores how cognitive dissonance—the mental discomfort we feel when confronted with conflicting information—prevents us from acknowledging our mistakes. When failures threaten our sense of self or competence, we often reframe or ignore them rather than confronting them. A striking example from the book describes a convicted criminal who, despite clear DNA evidence proving his innocence, remained in prison for another six years. Prosecutors and the justice system resisted admitting their mistake, illustrating the power of cognitive dissonance. I found this concept personally relevant, as I often catch myself justifying small mistakes rather than fully owning them.
In chapter 3, the author shares an example of a hospital where the leader openly admits mistakes. This transparency set the tone for a culture of error reporting, encouraging staff to share and learn from failures rather than hide them. Over time, this approach transformed the hospital into the safest hospital in the nation.
Implications
From my own experience, I know that failure is painful—but it is also a powerful driver of growth. This book reinforced that idea and reminded me that when I fail, or when I see others fail, I should focus on the possibilities. Disappointment is inevitable, but if I shift my perspective, failure can mark the beginning of change, improvement, and innovation.
The book emphasizes the importance of data in measuring progress. The author shares an example of a golfer practicing in the dark—unable to see where the ball lands, she has no way to adjust or improve her swing. This made me reflect on my own work. How can I collect more meaningful data to assess the impact of my coaching? I value all the feedback I receive, but I also need to think about how to make the feedback process more structured and systematic.
One of my key takeaways is the importance of helping my coaching clients become more comfortable admitting mistakes. I want to guide them toward understanding that openly acknowledging failures isn’t a weakness—it’s a tool for learning and career growth.