Often times we notice those who have swam the ocean, ran across the country, or done a triple backflip summersault off a 2-story vault but fail to notice those who are failing by less. Is not kaizen about small improvements over time?
Most managers admit they have a tough time viewing degrees of less failure as an achievement. Furthermore, if they do notice and want to say something they do not know how to say it without sounding condescending, sarcastic, or embarrassed.