Gene Kranz: tough and competent

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I've wanted to be an astronaut since I was younger. However, it seems that I wouldn't be joining any missions to outer space anytime soon since the NASA Space Shuttle program has come to a close. Nevertheless, the NASA Space Exploration Program has given rise to a number of visionaries and great leaders. One of them is Gene Kranz, the Flight Director of the team who took the steps needed to bring the Apollo 13 astronauts home.

He has been set as an example of a leader who rises at tough times. A lot has been said; people lauded him particularly on how he handled the Apollo 13 mission. In fact, he's been featured in The Art of Manliness, in NASA's 50th anniversary publication, and in Brian Turner's article on project management, just to name a few.

I wish I could attend one of his lectures, or even meet him personally!

Anyway, amid all that's been said about him as a leader, I liked how he inspired change in Flight Control. In the aftermath of the Apollo 1 fire that killed Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee in 1967, he said:

"... From this day forward, Flight Control will be known by two words: 'Tough' and 'Competent'. 'Tough' means we are forever accountable for what we do or what we fail to do. We will never again compromise our responsibilities... 'Competent' means we will never take anything for granted. We will never be found short in our knowledge and in our skills... These words are the price of admission to the ranks of Mission Control."

He set the bar high for his teammates. There was absolutely no room for mediocrity in Mission Control; everyone had to be excellent. Based on how the group successfully handled the Apollo 13 mission about three years after the Apollo 1 tragedy, I'd say that the team was successful; they've indeed become tough and competent, thanks to the calm and strong leadership of Gene Kranz.

Tough. Competent. He is an inspiration to space explorers and lab rats alike. I really wish I could meet him.

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