How many times do we need to try at work?

There is a common response I hear during my facilitation work when discussing how to build workplace relationships. The common statement is

” Yeah I had a Team Leader who just would not listen to my point of view”

When pressed I discover the person attempting to engage in the relationship with their Team Leader or Boss may try once then give up. Some try three to four times.

John Will, my Jiu Jitsu Master, responded with the following when a Jiu itsu practioner made the comment that the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu technique being taught was very difficult.

‘ When you were learning to walk and you fell over what did your Mum say? Did she say “Whoa don’t do that again. You tried once and fell on your face so stop now in case you get hurt…”

When learning to walk we try until we succeed.

What has changed?