The moon sits roughly 384,000 kilometres from Earth, so distant that, from lunar orbit, Earth can be hidden behind a single thumb. That’s how Commander Jim Lovell measured it during the Apollo 13 mission. While this thumb-sized Earth might seem symbolic, it reflects the perspective needed when navigating crisis, whether in space or in business.
I had the privilege of hearing Jim Lovell speak about his experience on Apollo 13, which he famously calls a “successful failure.”, when I was completing my MBA at MIT. His insights offer powerful lessons for Geelong business owners and leaders, especially those implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) or facing organisational challenges.
Trust the data but understand you need to take control
When Apollo 13 suffered a major malfunction, the crew immediately recognised the issue. Ground control, however, initially dismissed the spacecraft’s data, assuming a communication glitch. Lovell’s response? Slow down, assess the situation, and focus on the long-term goal.
Lesson for Geelong businesses: Trust your metrics, but don’t wait for external validation. Leaders must interpret data calmly and act decisively. Whether you’re reviewing financials, customer feedback, or team performance, own the process and lead with clarity.
Have an unrelenting focus on your goal
Lovell and his crew faced dwindling battery power, rising carbon dioxide levels, and a damaged spacecraft. NASA’s message? “We don’t think you’re gonna get home.” Lovell’s reply? “Gee, thanks a lot.”
Despite the odds, the crew remained committed to their mission. They listened to advice but never lost sight of their goal.
Lesson for Geelong businesses: In times of uncertainty, stay focused. Whether you’re scaling, restructuring, or launching a new product, keep your eyes on the outcome. Take feedback, but don’t let doubt derail your vision.
Understand what is important to your team
During a critical moment, Lovell noticed his crew taking photos of the moon instead of preparing for a vital manoeuvre. Initially surprised, he asked them what they were doing, and they replied taking photos and video for when they got home, they continued to tell Jim while he had orbited the moon before they hadn’t. Jim’s response was to let them take the photos and video. This was about understanding what is important to your team and working with it rather than against it.
Lesson for Geelong businesses: Great leaders understand what motivates their team. Celebrate milestones, acknowledge personal goals, and build a culture that values both performance and people.
Sometimes you just got to back yourself
Re-entering Earth’s atmosphere required precision—too steep and they’d burn up, too shallow and they’d skip off into space. For years these three men had been testing aircraft, honing their skills as pilots and astronauts. They back their abilities, believed they could do it and executed.
Lesson for Geelong businesses: When the stakes are high, back your expertise. Whether you’re pitching to new customers, making a tough hire, or entering a new market, confidence and preparation go hand in hand.
Reflections about Apollo 13 for Geelong businesses
The events surrounding Apollo 13 offer some opportunities to reflect and better understand how we conduct ourselves. Firstly, there is perspective, the problems faced need to be considered in terms of what’s on the line. Secondly, complacency of effort prior to the launch of Apollo 13 played a significant role in what occurred. Previous Apollo missions had already landed on the moon, small failings in procedures prior to launch were not considered in the broader picture, everything was all too familiar. Thirdly, it is important to acknowledge the problem and then set a course to fix the problem, no matter how daunting that could be. Finally, as Jim says himself, always have a positive attitude.
Lesson for Geelong businesses: Don’t wait for a crisis to build resilience. Regularly review your systems, challenge assumptions, and foster a culture of proactive problem-solving.
The moral for Geelong businesses
A courageous group of people made decisions, worked through all the problems and achieved an outcome that, at the start only three people thought was possible. By the end, hundreds helped a achieve the impossible and millions of people saw what was possible.
If you’re a Geelong business owner looking to improve your operational clarity, I can help. Let’s work together to build your resilient, focused, and high-performing organisation.
Contact Murray here
To learn more about how EOS can help your business avoid “a successful failure” click here
