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.
Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
Entrepreneurs have the flexibility and the ability to do things that large companies simply cannot. Could a large company pull off a trick like Amyris, going from anti-malaria medicine to next-generation fuel?
The way to wealth depends on just two words, industry and frugality.
He moves fastest who moves alone.
I do today what people won't, so I achieve tomorrow what other people can't.
The door to a balanced success opens widest on the hinges of hope and encouragement.
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