I did everything by the numbers. I had checklists upon checklists. If I wasn't ahead of everybody on my team, I didn't feel I was doing my job.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of organization and diligence in achieving success.
Gene Kranz's quote reflects his strong belief in the necessity of being methodical and detail-oriented in high-stakes environments like space missions. He suggests that success requires thorough preparation and proactive leadership, implying that being ahead in planning and execution not only demonstrates dedication but is essential to fulfilling one's responsibilities.
In practice
During a team meeting, I shared this quote to motivate everyone to stick to our project checklists.
There's an awful lot of future out there, and what you got to do, is you go to out and grab it, wrestle it to the ground, accept the challenges, and then decide. You've got the skills. You've got the knowledge. You've got the love, and you're capable of moving forward and making a great life yourself.
No way can you ever, ever, ever evidence confusion, concern, lack of understanding. You have to be in charge. You are the guy. You have to be cooler than cool, smarter than smart.
You can not operate in this room unless you believe that you are Superman, and whatever happens, you're capable of solving the problem.
I was the most emotional of the flight directors. Space really got me all honked up.
I just felt that space was the next thing coming in aviation. It was higher, faster. It had the risk.
We've never lost an American in space, we're sure as hell not gonna lose one on my watch! Failure is not an option.
It is not just the more talented player who wins. Some players may try a little harder.
My jersey hanging from the ceiling is going to be a symbol of the hard work of the people I played with.
We're running the company to serve more people.
Success is counted sweetest by those who never succeed.
Everything excellent is as difficult as it is rare.
What I have in common with the character in 'Truman' is this incredible need to please people. I feel like I want to take care of everyone and I also feel this terrible guilt if I am unable to. And I have felt this way ever since all this success started.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.