Consequences for one’s actions.  It is a mantra of many youth organizations (and parents).  I recently learned of a gang-intervention program in Boston, Massachusetts.  The organization, Roca has an intriguing philosophy.

Roca has taken Prochaska’s stages of change and adapted them for a very high-risk youth development model…As change is not easy for any of us, relapse is often part of the process and can happen at any point in the stages of change. Relapses can be painful, embarrassing, demoralizing; can make change seem impossible; or provide a (weak) justification for not changing. However, they are also the times where a great deal of incredible learning can take place and work can be done.

Allowing for failure and relapses is a powerful value.  This is not a three strikes and you are out program.  If there was no support for those that failed the gangs succeed in recruiting the most vulnerable youth and the mission is unachievable.

Does your enterprise tolerate failure?  Could supporting those who relapse be part of your organization’s competitive advantage?  Many rags to riches narratives are filled with chapters of failure prior to finding motivation and great success.  Could your cause be uniquely positioned to support those who relapse?