A series of drastic leadership decisions, compounded and overseen by Captain Edward John Smith led to 1500 individuals drowning in the cold waters of the North Atlantic 400 miles from Newfoundland. These men, women and children were victims of leadership failure.
At 2:18 AM on April 14, 1912, the Titanic hit an iceberg. The world’s largest and most technologically advanced ship with double hulls was believed to be unsinkable. The tragedy was further compounded in that the ship had received 6 wireless warnings of icebergs in its path
Captain Smith was about to retire and arriving in New York a day earlier would be an exceptional accomplishment, providing him a spot on the speaking and consulting tour of his day. Under pressure from his superiors, he increased the speed of his ship in known iceberg waters. He relied on the technology of his day, putting his belief in craftsmanship and his need for personal achievement ahead of the health and safety of his passengers.
If a Servant Leader had been Captain of the Titanic, his decision making would have integrated the technology of his ship with his heart, character values, the Vision of his corporation and the safety of his passengers and crew. He would have put service before personal achievement. Customer and passengers’ interests would have outweighed safety over risk. He might also have considered “Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?” (Ezekiel 34:2, 3 NIV) He also might have remembered, “each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV) John MacArthur, in “The Book on Leadership confirms, “a good leader never makes a decision that is a pure gamble. Wise leaders don’t wager with their people. They don’t subject their people to unnecessary hazards.”
As a Leader, can you identify with the Captain of the Titanic? Is your belief in your methodology so strong that you’ll risk everything?
Leadership is putting the needs of your followers ahead of your personal needs.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group