Effectiveness Of Redefining Failure By Julia Baird

The Effectiveness of Redefining Failure The article, Redefining Failure by Julia Baird focuses on the development of failure throughout time. Her argument addresses that the definition of failure has evolved over the years because with time and events the word becomes classified differently. In her article, she offers examples of different circumstances to effectively portray her stance on the topic. In Julia Baird’s standpoint, a person’s economic standing is not the most effective way of measuring one’s success or failure. Redefining Failure is a persuasive and effective article because of the way it is organized, constructed, and the numerous examples that it provides. When evaluating the article Redefining Failure, it is important to†¦show more content†¦Initially, Baird introduces the idea that America’s beliefs about failure were formed in the 1800’s and progressed further into the 19th century. She brings up her opinion on how the 19th century was different from today because of the way that their society believed failure to be such a devastating occurrence. Additionally, the article explains how the people in these times believed that failure was a cause of a lack of ambition. She presents this idea by quoting another author, Scott Sandage, who wrote the novel, Born Losers: A History of Failure in America. She quotes Sandage by saying, â€Å"By the end of the 19th century, says Sandage, failure had gone from being a professional mishap to â€Å"a name for a deficient self, an identity in the red.†Ã¢â‚¬  (Baird, Redefining Failure). By quoting from another source who has a similar opinion, Baird is giving the rea der multiple references that represent her goal. This shows a competent understanding of the argument that she is providing. Additionally, at this point in Baird’s article, she reinstates why Willy from the Death of a Salesman is related to the changing definition of failure. She does this by quoting yet another source, saying, â€Å"By the middle of the last century, at the time Willy Loman was hawking his wares, Americans could not face â€Å"the possibility of defeat in one’s personal life or one’s work without being morally destroyed,† according to sociologist David Riesman.† (Baird, Redefining Failure). Baird uses thisShow MoreRelatedDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesThe Pros and Cons of Each Strategy 300 Acting Assertively: Neutralizing Influence Attempts 304 SKILL ANALYSIS 310 Case Involving Power and Influence 310 River Woods Plant Manager 310 SKILL PRACTICE 311 Exercise for Gaining Power 311 Repairing Power Failur es in Management Circuits 311 Exercise for Using Influence Effectively 312 Ann Lyman’s Proposal 313 Exercises for Neutralizing Unwanted Influence Attempts 314 Cindy’s Fast Foods 314 9:00 to 7:30 315 x CONTENTS SKILL APPLICATION 317 Activities for