Which ‘type’ are you? Gene Kranz? Or that Grumman guy?
Apollo 13. Love that movie. I watch it so often that my wife and kids no longer moan when it’s on.
As Americans…as humans…it really was of our finest hours. The tragic events unfolding in space were matched in magnitude only by the ingenuity of those on the ground. That those astronauts faced so much peril–one crisis after another after another–yet returned alive, is testimony to the other-worldly will and brilliance of NASA scientists and administrators.
It should remind us of what’s possible when we’re focused on a single goal, and when we work together. It should come as no surprise that organizations with a culture of cooperation accomplish more than their less-cohesive counterparts–i.e., those in which chaos looms more ubiquitous than the oxygen-sucking vacuum of space.
BACK TO THE MOVIE. It was a great cast having the opportunity to play real heroes. See if you remember them. And, while you’re at it, think about yourself…which character best represents you…and which represent your colleagues.
Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), the level-headed commander…John Aaron (Loren Dean)–low-key and dependable…instrumental in not only saving the lives of the crew of Apollo 13, but saving the lives of the Apollo 12 astronauts some months earlier as well.
Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise), hugely disappointed in losing his seat to Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon), but who, as a true team player, came to their aid with the power-up procedures while inventing a process to get the crew more power…Gene Kranz (Ed Harris), the unflappable flight director, famous for the line, “Failure is not an option.” (Tip: Read his 2000 autobiography of the same title.) Another great line, “Work the problem, people. Let’s not make things worse by guessing!”
How about Ron Howard’s brother, Clint? You know who I’m talking about–the guy whose only acting jobs came through his famous director sibling…Or, that smarmy Grumman guy (Kenneth White), the lunar excursion module engineer afraid of losing his job.
You’ve worked with all these types. Some folks are team players. Others are in it for themselves. Some put aside their feelings or their agendas for the good of the team. Others won’t take a step before assessing how it affects them, personally or professionally.
If your organization has more of the former, good for you. The sky’s the limit. If it has more of the latter, I’ll bet it’s less fun.
Ergo, the poll. Which person are you?
I voted Joe !!
Thank you, Brian. But that’s not one of the options. If nominated, I will not run. If elected, I will not serve.
Here’s a question for you – is it possible to be a team player and genuinely desire the best for your team and company but then get burned so many times, you just don’t care anymore? I feel like working at my company has killed my spirit for wanting to work and sacrifice for the greater whole. Before working here, and even when I first began at this company, I was much more of a team player than I am now. Does this mean that I have changed or that it is time for me to go?
Yes, Alana. Of course it’s possible. In fact, it probably happens all the time. Are you the “Grumman guy?” Not at all. Team players, even if burned out, get engaged with the right leadership and culture. Is it time for you to go? Not sure. Is the leadership going to be around a while? Any hint of changes? But companies with positive, visionary cultures are out there. And they’re worth the effort of finding.
P.S. In my example, that person was Ken Mattingly.
The leadership says they want change, but unfortunately their message is inconsistent with their actions. The leadership in this company has been the same people for years and I doubt there will be any major changes. I definitely agree it is worth the effort of the search.