Post by Nutty on Aug 8, 2023 22:02:37 GMT 1
I thought I'd share something I read many years ago.. and it finishes with one of those unanswerable questions. I'd be interested in your thoughts.
In 1952, Jimmy Carter (yes, him) secured the opportunity of a lifetime: an interview with Admiral Hyman Rickover for a chance to join the US Navy's nuclear submarine programme.
Admiral Rickover, the father of the nuclear Navy, was not just one of history’s most brilliant minds, he was also one of history’s most hands-on leaders. He interviewed every single candidate for the submarine service himself, including the future president. These were long interviews. For two to three hours, Rickover asked Carter about strategy, tactics, physics, literature, and history. Carter had prepared for days, weeks even, and the interview seemed to be going well when Rickover asked, “Where were you ranked in your class at the Naval Academy?”
Now, it’s only going to get better, Carter must have thought as he swelled up with pride, “I was ranked 59th in a class of 840 sir.” Carter would recall the surprise of not receiving congratulations, but instead another question:
“Did you always do your best?”
Carter began to instinctively answer that of course he always did his best, but something inside of him caused him to pause. “I recalled several of the many times at the Academy when I could have learned more about our allies, our enemies, weapons, strategy, and so forth,” Carter would say. So he was honest, “No, sir, I didn’t always do my best.”
Rickover didn’t say anything and just looked at Carter for a long time before asking one final question “Why not?” Then he stood up and walked out of the room.
Carter would never forget this question.
===========================
I had a similar experience in my own life when I embarked on a training course and I didn't give it of my best - initially. It was something I desperately wanted to do - but I failed to commit myself to it 100%. I've often wondered why not. There aren't many occasions in life that demand that total level of commitment - why didn't I recognise at the time that I needed to up my game?
In 1952, Jimmy Carter (yes, him) secured the opportunity of a lifetime: an interview with Admiral Hyman Rickover for a chance to join the US Navy's nuclear submarine programme.
Admiral Rickover, the father of the nuclear Navy, was not just one of history’s most brilliant minds, he was also one of history’s most hands-on leaders. He interviewed every single candidate for the submarine service himself, including the future president. These were long interviews. For two to three hours, Rickover asked Carter about strategy, tactics, physics, literature, and history. Carter had prepared for days, weeks even, and the interview seemed to be going well when Rickover asked, “Where were you ranked in your class at the Naval Academy?”
Now, it’s only going to get better, Carter must have thought as he swelled up with pride, “I was ranked 59th in a class of 840 sir.” Carter would recall the surprise of not receiving congratulations, but instead another question:
“Did you always do your best?”
Carter began to instinctively answer that of course he always did his best, but something inside of him caused him to pause. “I recalled several of the many times at the Academy when I could have learned more about our allies, our enemies, weapons, strategy, and so forth,” Carter would say. So he was honest, “No, sir, I didn’t always do my best.”
Rickover didn’t say anything and just looked at Carter for a long time before asking one final question “Why not?” Then he stood up and walked out of the room.
Carter would never forget this question.
===========================
I had a similar experience in my own life when I embarked on a training course and I didn't give it of my best - initially. It was something I desperately wanted to do - but I failed to commit myself to it 100%. I've often wondered why not. There aren't many occasions in life that demand that total level of commitment - why didn't I recognise at the time that I needed to up my game?