The failure spectrum, as discussed by Amy Edmondson, ranges from blameworthy to praiseworthy and includes distinct categories of failure. Edmondson's spectrum of causes of failure is mentioned at [00:19:17] where it's noted that she developed a systematic way to think about failure, aiming to remove some of the stigma and uniformity of response associated with it. At [00:23:01], it's elaborated that the spectrum contains six distinct categories, with sabotage at one extreme, representing a deliberate action to disrupt a process, and on the other end, there are failures resulting from a scientist or engineer hypothesizing a new idea. The spectrum is designed to make people less afraid of failure and to think about it in a more nuanced way, as per [00:33:08].

The spectrum is also contextualized with examples, such as the National Health Service's IT problems at [00:43:34], suggesting that failure can result from a mix of task challenges, inability, and inattention. However, not everyone agrees with embracing failure. Jeffrey Ray suggests at [00:33:27] that organizations should have a learning capability to prevent failure rather than learn from it post-failure. Despite some criticism, Edmondson's spectrum has gained admirers, including research psychologist Gary Klein, as mentioned at [00:33:58].

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Q: what is the failure spectrum?

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