Columbus, Apollo and You

Today is Columbus Day in the United States and although much as been said that is both positive and negative about Christopher Columbus, he was a leader. Like most leaders he had strengths that served him well and weaknesses that caused he and others problems; he was still a leader. One of his strengths was courage. The courage to push past the obstacles that threatened his voyages before they ever left port. The courage to sail across uncharted waters in search of riches. The courage to return home to the cheers and jeers. Leaders need to cultivate courage in themselves in order to power their teams to success.

In preparing for the first public presentation of my new book this week I went looking for a story to illustrate the courage of character that leaders need. I am using the short audio clip from the lunar landing of Apollo 11 as a way of describing the boldness, valor and firmness that courageous leaders possess. If you have not heard this clip I encourage you to listen to it by clicking on the NASA link http://tinyurl.com/nzuzd3 It is amazing to think that in July of 1969 three men and a breathless ground crew would make history for mankind and do it with only a few seconds of fuel left in the Eagle landing craft. Even though I have heard it many times I still get a chill when the radio crackles with Neal Armstrong's voice, "Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed."

Most of us won't be called on to explore new worlds whether earthly or celestial but it still takes courage to push past the obstacles of every day leadership challenges. Lead on with courage!