Different technologies transcend disciplines or fields. Effective application is a matter of understanding context. Technology is not the only thing that transcends fields. Some principles can also be relevant and applicable in many contexts. There are lessons from SpaceX’s incident where a vehicle and its payload were lost due to a fire. This got me thinking about what your church and team can learn from SpaceX and Elon Musk.
Elon Musk is be forward thinking and innovative. Investing in initiatives that most wouldn’t even dream. Some of the endeavours he’s involved with include Tesla, SolarCity, and, of course, SpaceX. Here are some thoughts:
In Crisis
Leaders don’t disappear during a crisis. In crisis, leaders’ voices must be heard. The Internet has made silence one of the worst things you could do during a controversy or crisis.
Loss of Falcon vehicle today during propellant fill operation. Originated around upper stage oxygen tank. Cause still unknown. More soon.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 1, 2016
What we learn from SpaceX and Elon Musk is that sometimes speaking up and saying, “you don’t know” is better than silence. There are a number of notable churches and individuals in the recent past who have had to deal with crisis. Silence can be fertile ground for unhealthy speculation.
You might not know everything but you can say something like, “at this stage we don’t know, but we are doing our best to find out…”
[clickToTweet tweet=”Little updates in crisis are critical in managing perceptions – @blessingmpofu” quote=”Little updates in crisis are critical in managing perceptions.”]
Whether you lead a church, or a team of volunteers, it is always wise to speak into the crisis. Don’t ignore or turn away from it. Ignoring a problem doesn’t fix it.
When It’s Broken
Another lesson we can learn From SpaceX and Elon Musk is how to deal with broken stuff with an audience. When things are the way they should be, don’t gloss over them. It is ironic that I have to remind Christ followers about the importance of honesty and truth.
It can be easy to skirt the truth or skew the picture a little so that what we say is ‘not really a lie’ instead of being truthful. When there’s a problem, say there is.
Still working on the Falcon fireball investigation. Turning out to be the most difficult and complex failure we have ever had in 14 years.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 9, 2016
Teams and churches fall apart when the broken stuff is ignored or downplayed.
The Commitment
Musk, in the incident mentioned, at least, seems committed to understand what happened. It can be difficult to solve anything without getting to the root of the problem.
If you have audio, photos or videos of our anomaly last week, please send to [email protected]. Material may be useful for investigation
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 9, 2016
Commit to not only identifying problems but also solving them. Imagine where the Church would be if the early church buckled in persecution and other challenges.
In another time in the history of the Church was the problem of illiteracy. It was solved through technology – stained glass. People were taught through the technology of stained glass. Just one example. What challenges does your team or church need to address? Don’t relent.
Long Sight
The fact that we’re talking about something that happened at the launch base of a space station is something in itself. Musk and his team challenge us to peer far into the future. Besides navigating present day challenges, how far is your church looking.
What are the tech and other teams anticipating in the distant future?
Never Arrive
Support & advice from @NASA, @FAA, @AFPAA & others much appreciated. Please email any recordings of the event to [email protected].
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 9, 2016
Despite being at the cutting-edge, Musk and subsequently SpaceX, continue to practice humility. They welcome anyone who can help them understand and grow. Musk, on behalf of his enterprise asks for help from people who might be.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Willingness to collaborate is rooted in humility; never arrive – @blessingmpofu” quote=”Willingness to collaborate is rooted in humility; never arrive.”]
Knowing that we don’t know and have it all together can be empowering. It forces us to look to God. It challenges us to seek the help and gifts of others.
So…
When something is broken, don’t say it isn’t and admit it. Go beyond admitting it; commit to solving it. Look and act long and, never arrive.
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