#1088 divert your course

Someone recently shared with me this transcript of an actual radio conversation of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the cost of Newfoundland in October, 1995.  It seemed to fit both the leadership and Memorial Day theme:

Americans:  Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a collision.

Canadians:  Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the South to avoid collision.

Americans:  This is the Captain of a US Navy Ship.  I say again, divert YOUR course.

Canadians:  No...I say again, you divert your course.

Americans:  THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET.  WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS, AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS.  I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, THAT'S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE SHIP.

Canadians:  This is a lighthouse...Divert YOUR course.


How many times have you acted like the Captain and failed to listen or ask questions?  Before your words or deeds become the equivalent of ALL CAPS, take the time to understand the perspective of the other person.  Humble Pie tastes much better than Crow.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operation 10-10-95 as shared by Bill Mauss.