We were honored last week to be able to host Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen. He gave one of the best presentations ever at Leaders Connect. He was able to share in detail the planning and execution of the program which led to highly significant explrations on Mars. The expedition, known as Perseverance, was able to land a helicopter on Mars, a first time achievement for any country. Thomas, who is also a great leader, provided leadership tips which all of us should study. Here is the video for the event and the slides which Thomas presented.
Thomas Zurbuchen’s
Leadership Lessons from Leading a Mission to Mars
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Dream big!
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If you do something really really hard and tell yourself it’s easy, you will not be successful.
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Stick to your commitments made to your stakeholders/clients.
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Focus on transparency and honesty.
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You must be able to trust each other by sharing all the problems with your team and then solving them together.
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Leadership is more about innovation than doing the same thing over and over again.
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It’s important to have thought diversity within your team.
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Be aware of who you are and know your strengths and weaknesses.
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Stay rooted on the ground.
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Focus on the team and understand it. Your team needs to know you have their backs.
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Make decisions. Waiting can add opportunity cost.
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Always value friendship.
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Keep in touch with your friends.
YOUR PLAYBOOK
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If your playbook Includes going to Mars, good for you. May your dream come true.
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If you have a few less ambitious goals, study the priorities about leadership established by Dr. Zurbuchen and pick a few which you will work on.
- Please let me and Thomas know which ones most resonated with you.