In this engaging discussion, Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and professor at Columbia University, shares insights on encouraging open communication in high-stakes environments. He highlights the importance of speaking up, particularly when noticing issues others might overlook, and recounts a tense near-miss in aviation that underscores the value of clear dialogue. Mike emphasizes fostering a culture of transparency and gratitude among team members, sharing how these principles enhance safety and collaboration in both space missions and everyday leadership.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Near-Midair Collision
Mike Massimino shares a story about a near-midair collision during a training flight.
His silence, despite noticing an incorrect heading, highlighted the importance of speaking up, even for rookies.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Trust Your Gut
Speak up when you have a gut feeling that something is wrong, even if unsure.
This "sinking feeling" can be a crucial trigger in high-stakes situations.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Rookie Insight
As a rookie, Massimino noticed inefficiency in Hubble instrument installation and proposed a new tool.
This improved efficiency during spacewalks, proving the value of rookie observations.
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In 'Moonshot,' Richard Wiseman explores the psychological and historical aspects of the Apollo missions to provide insights into achieving big dreams. The book combines history, psychology, and self-help, offering practical advice on teamwork, leadership, and persistence. It emphasizes that anyone can achieve extraordinary success by adopting the mindset and strategies used in the moon landing.
Mike Massimino: Moonshot
Mike Massimino is a former NASA astronaut and a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University. He's also the senior advisor for space programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. He was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1996, and is the veteran of two space flights, the fourth and fifth Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions in 2002 and 2009.
Mike has made numerous television appearances, including a six-time recurring role as himself on the CBS hit comedy The Big Bang Theory. He has hosted Science Channel’s The Planets and its special Great American Eclipse. Mike is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Spaceman and now his newest book Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible.
Almost every leader and organization invites people to speak up and make their voice head. As we all know, that doesn’t means it happens in practice. In this conversation, Mike and I discuss how leaders can set the tone for what’s said, and what’s not.
Key Points
You’ll know when it’s time to speak up. Your cue is that hair-raising, sinking feeling in the moment of a high-stakes situation or the feeling of confusion in a less intense situation.
Outsiders and rookies are often the most observant people in the team since they are hyper-aware of doing something new and noticing details a veteran may miss.
It’s important to speak up when you see something wrong, but equally important is to speak up when you do something wrong. The only unforgivable sin at NASA is trying to cover something up.
Your title or position may influence how others in the organization speak up (or don’t). When someone speaks up, saying “thank you” in the moment sets the tone for future dialogue.
Reward speaking up with incentives. The Hubble Space Telescope servicing manager created challenges for people to speak up to reduce spacewalk time.
Resources Mentioned
Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible by Mike Massimino
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
How to Start Managing Up, with Tom Henschel (episode 433)
How to Speak Up, with Connson Locke (episode 546)
How to Help People Speak Truth to Power, with Megan Reitz (episode 597)
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