Tough and Competent

"Tough and Competent" explores the evolution of leadership and teamwork among novice engineers in NASA's Mercury Control as they prepared for the historic Apollo 11 mission. By 1969, these individuals transformed into a cohesive unit capable of making critical decisions under immense pressure, exemplified by their ability to land with just seventeen seconds of fuel left. Central to their success was a unique ethos, referred to as IT!, which emerged from a collaborative environment where diverse backgrounds and a commitment to shared knowledge fostered exceptional performance. Eugene F. Kranz shares invaluable insights from his lengthy career at NASA, providing lessons applicable to any innovation-driven organization.