How to Build a 'Safe-to-Fail' Culture for IT Teams and Why You Should
Computerworld, Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
IT staff won't experiment with AI if failure hurts reviews; contained, reversible experiments and protected time unlock learning.
Investments in AI and new tools can underdeliver if IT workers lack the time, resources or freedom to learn them, or fear a failed experiment will hurt their performance reviews.
A safe-to-fail culture gives teams approved tools, secure sandboxes and dedicated time to test ideas, though Randstad Digital's Michael Morris stresses it is not 'safe-to-be-careless' and experiments should be contained, reversible and useful.
Futurist Daniel Burrus advises separating experimentation from day-to-day performance evaluation so teams can test ideas without career risk.