Start with Failure.

I wish I employed this tactic more in previous roles.

Have you heard the "7-Habits of Highly Effective Leaders" adage, "start with the end in mind?"

I read this book in college and a few times since. As I write, I'm deciding to reread it soon.

Okay, so what happens if the end was a failure?

We always want to see the most optimistic results for ourselves - a win. Well, imagining failure would also be an encouraging result - we'd learn what did not work, that's something.

Don't desire for failure, don't wish for your efforts not to produce results that push a team forward. If your leaders, people that you are accountable to, desire a specific outcome - make it happen. But if you have doubts, leverage them - consider what would happen if your efforts failed.

Tap into "Future You," see the failure, consult with your decision tribe, and work the problem.