Last time I discussed some of the general leadership lessons I observed from watching the movie Apollo 13 and the leadership of Jim Lovell and Gene Kranz specifically. If you want to read about those lessons look at the previous week’s blog.
While watching the movie I observed how Hollywood portrayed the immediate response of Commander Lovell when the problems began. I’m not certain of the accuracy of the portrayal, but I am certain of the lessons we all can learn as leaders.
At times as leaders the vision shifts either because of our doing or because of circumstances out of our control. How we respond is critical because the leader’s response is a model for the team’s response.
Apollo 13 was in disarray. They had to shut off fuel cells and oxygen tanks were damaged among multiple other problems that would arise. Because of all this, the opportunity for Lovell to walk on the moon was lost. The mission had shifted to simply getting the three astronauts home alive. Upon understanding this new reality I saw three responses from Lovell that demonstrated an excellent mindset as a leader.
Accept
Lovell knew his opportunity for the moon was lost, but instead of feeling sorry for himself and pouting he accepted this new reality. I imagine he was extremely disappointed since this was his last mission, but he had to accept this reality. Possibly during the radio silence as they went around the moon he allowed some time to grieve, but not for long.
Adjust
He now had to modify his strategic thinking and problem solving to address an entirely different purpose. The purpose was not landing on the moon, but to collaborate with mission control and lead himself and the crew back to earth safely. The first was a mission shift and this was a mind shift.
Focus
He understood the new purpose, but now the challenge was to focus on what mattered. As with many leaders this can be the greatest challenge. Lovell had to determine where to focus in order to get the team home. This required him to problem solve and improvise as more challenges arose. In order to stay focused Lovell leaned into both those on earth that could see the bigger picture and his team in the command module.
If you are familiar with (or lived during) the story you know eventually they returned safely to earth. Because of the leadership at mission control, Ken Mattingly’s persistence in providing the crew a workable plan, and Lovell’s leadership they were able to turn what could have been a tremendous tragedy into NASA’s finest hour.
What about you? What challenge are you facing as a leader? When you look at these three responses which do you need to improve in? Do you need help in breaking through limiting mental barriers in your leadership? Contact me for a complimentary coaching session to help you think into your results. Lead well.
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