Imagine sitting in a Congressional hearing room, listening to people who were on the crucial conference call obfuscate the truth about the O-rings (dot #4391). You’re a lowly engineer, just there to address technical issues. You’re sitting in the back of the room. The people speaking have the ability to award a billion-dollar contract to your company. Would you have the courage to speak up against them?
Al McDonald did. Lucky for us, and for all the astronauts who followed.
McDonald, of Morton Thiokol, waved his arm, then stood, then moved to the front of the room in a desperate attempt to gain the floor. Once recognized, he calmly said: “I want to say a point about the meeting,” and went on to describe the initial no-go recommendation and the abrupt change of heart. After hearing this incredible turn of events, the chair called for an immediate recess.
McDonald’s testimony led the investigation in a new direction. The commission ultimately concluded that the explosion was due not just to technical failure, but to “drastic human error” by a failed management process throughout the system.
McDonald continued to work at Morton Thiokol but was ostracized for the rest of his career.
There are moments of truth for all of us, albeit with less stakes than this. Having clarity in advance of your values — above your job, reputation, friendships, and other loyalties, can make the split-second decision process easier but still requires inner strength to act on them. Wishing you the fortitude to do the right thing, even when it’s impossibly difficult.
Source: Challenger by Adam Higginbotham, 2024
courage! beautiful.