All It Takes Is One Small Part

I was reminded the other day of The Challenger Shuttle disaster. January 28, 1986, the Challenger shuttle, loaded with the first civilian astronaut, teacher Christa McAuliffe, exploded as it ascended into the atmosphere.

It was right after Australia Day. The Space Shuttle program was something I had followed for years with intense interest. So I, like so many millions of others, was astonished when I saw the shuttle explode in a fireball and smoke mid-flight. And I sorrowed with so many others.

For many years, running my Authentic Speaking Public Speaking workshops, I shared the video of US President Ronald Reagan mourning the loss of those astronauts. That night, he was scheduled to deliver the State of the Union. Instead, he delivered a eulogy.

It's a moving moment. And a reassuring moment.

Co-developed by speechwriter Peggy Noonan (there is a complex relationship between some political speakers and their speechwriters), it is poetic, personal and powerful.

Reagan's Challenger Address is a tremendous example of how a speaker and leader can help, not hinder, an entire nation - even an entire world.

But here's the key thing to remember about the Challenger disaster. With over a million parts to the amazing machine, it all came down to the failure of just one part: one O-ring. A small part that cost just a few cents.

As I recall, the investigations revealed some engineers had raised the issue and their concerns prior to launch, but were not heeded.

The O-ring had been purchased under tender from the lowest bidder. A few cents may have made the difference between life and death and, indeed, for NASA over decades.

Sometimes, especially in critical areas and endeavours, all it takes is one small part to either damn or deliver success. It can have catastrophic effect on lives.

It's a burden that many leaders and professionals feel. Many leaders - in healthcare, manufacturing, mining, elsewhere - feel this burden and pressure. But you don't need to switch off nor burn out nor wash your hands.

In this age of AI and the developing trend to outsource thinking and responsibility at as many turns as possible, let's remember this:

That one part may make the difference. That lone voice of an engineer might need to be heard. That doctor's or nurse's concern might need to be treated with deadly earnest. And that is why you have an organisation, a company, a team.

Not every voice is right.

Not every part is critical.

But a leader makes sure that the ones consistently demonstrated to be right or critical are brought to the front and centre of every mission.

📩 Feel free to reach out for a no-obligation 20-minute discovery call so we can uncover the clarity you need to lead:

peter@lamplighter.com.au

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