How Productive Failure Can Transform Learning with Manu Kapur

Failure isn’t the end—it’s a beginning. That’s the core message from the latest episode of The Leadership Habit podcast. Jenn DeWall talks to Dr. Manu Kapur, a leading researcher on the science of learning and the author of Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing. In this episode, Dr. Kapur shares how intentionally designing for failure can enhance leadership growth and unlock deeper learning.

Meet Professor Manu Kapur, Human Learning Expert

Prof. Manu Kapur is a world-renowned expert on learning and currently heads the Future Learning Initiative at ETH University Zurich. Prof. Kapur earned his doctorate in Education from Columbia University. 

Dr. Kapur is known for pioneering research on intentionally designing for and learning from failure, demonstrating how this approach can lead to more effective learning than traditional methods. He is known for these two successful TEDX talks: Productive Failure and How Failure Drives Learning. 

What is Productive Failure?

While most discussions around failure focus on bouncing back after setbacks, Dr. Kapur introduces a proactive approach: designing failure into learning experiences. “If failure can be a powerful teacher,” he explains, “why wait for it to happen? Why not intentionally design for it in a safe way so that when high-stakes situations arise, the likelihood of success is greater?”

This concept involves moving from the performance zone, where tasks align with existing skills, into the learning zone, where challenges exceed current abilities. By navigating this “failure zone,” leaders and learners can activate relevant knowledge, identify skill gaps, and build resilience.

The Four A’s of Learning Through Failure

Dr. Kapur outlines a powerful framework for turning failure into growth, known as the Four A’s:

1. Activation: Failure activates prior knowledge, creating connections between what you know and what you’re trying to learn.
2. Awareness: It highlights gaps in understanding, making you more aware of what needs to improve.
3. Affect: The struggle to overcome challenges sparks motivation and engagement.
4. Assembly: Feedback from mentors or experts helps learners synthesize and apply knowledge effectively.

How Leaders Can Embrace Productive Failure

Dr. Kapur encourages leaders to shift their mindset around failure. Emerging leaders often focus on proving their competence, which can keep them stuck in the performance zone. However, Dr. Kapur emphasizes the importance of balancing success-driven tasks with growth-driven challenges. “Your ambition should always exceed your talent,” he shares, recalling a lesson from his father.

Creating a culture that normalizes failure as part of growth is essential for teams. Leaders can set the stage by:

• Offering stretch assignments that push team members out of their comfort zones.
• Providing safe spaces to fail and experiment without fear of judgment.
• Delivering constructive feedback to guide improvement and reinforce learning.

Final Thoughts

Productive failure isn’t about accepting defeat but designing opportunities to grow. As Dr. Kapur reminds us, “If you find yourself too comfortable, it’s a signal you’re not growing.” By embracing failure as a tool for learning, leaders can inspire their teams, improve their skills, and achieve greater success.

To dive deeper into the science of productive failure and how it can transform your leadership style, listen to the full episode of