What Every IT Leader Should Learn from NASA Today
Just a few minutes ago NASA postponed the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour until Monday at the earliest. Bummer.
Could there be a worse launch to postpone?
Not only is the President himself there watching, but the whole country is holding back their tears as Mark Kelly triumphantly charges into space as his wife, Congresswoman Giffords, comes to see him off. Imagine being the project manager that makes that call to the head of NASA. Phew. And you think you have it tough when your project time lines have to be pushed out a bit.
The fact of the matter is that when we deal with complex technology projects, things don’t always go exactly to plan. Despite the very best people and excellent work, sometimes “stuff” just happens. And the mark of a great, and I mean great, project manager, is the one who calls it like he sees it even when the President of the United States and the whole country is looking over his shoulder.
If NASA can do it, so can you. Don’t let the pressure from your user community let you lose sight of the safety of your mission. It may not be launching satellites into space but it’s just as important to your company and stakeholders that you get it right.
This unique ability, to stand up and say what’s the right thing to do (which often translates into standing up and saying what NOT to do) is a hallmark of the world’s most successful and influential IT leaders.
Click here to learn more about the hallmarks of success of the world’s most influential IT leaders
