What are the Keys to Success when we live in Space on a voyage demandingly long — say, 200 million miles to Mars?
One former astronaut I interviewed has the distinction of several completed missions including a long duration on the International Space Station. From personal experience he is enthusiastic to share what is critical to good space behavior. But it’s also relevant for us here on earth, as good behavior in the office or home:
- Communication: take a time-out to discuss problems, technical or procedural; speak-up, ask for help, listen
- Problem-solving: take time to fully know what the problem is
- Include each other to know the procedures
- Confidence and a sense-of humor: they contribute to a positive attitude
- Know your technical stuff: be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
We select astronauts based on skills and characteristics. We train them to do their work. But on long-term missions, assume that conflict will happen, because it happens on projects, and inside the best of teams. He conquers: “We will need tools to help handle these issues related to communication. And it won’t be just what’s said, but how.”
Space manner: What’s needed up there works for us on Earth!
(photo courtesy NASA)