As much as we often try, we can’t control the present. What we can control, however, is our reaction to the present. That’s what differentiates a good leader. That person is in command of his or her reaction to the present. Consider this scene from Apollo 13. Aside from the “big” problem resulting from the early explosion, there are many other issues surfacing that could impact the safe return of the Astronauts.

HENRY HURT: RETRO says the typhoon is still a presence in the splashdown area?

NASA DIRECTOR: Yeah.

HENRY HURT- Whata we got? the parachute situation, the heatshield, the angle of
trajectory and the typhoon, there’s just so many variables. I’m a little at a
loss…

NASA DIRECTOR- I know what the problems are, Henry. This could be the worst disaster NASA’s ever experienced.

GENE KRANTZ (FLIGHT DIRECTOR)- With all due respect, sir. I believe this is gonna be our finest hour.

All three men are confronted with the same facts and the same present. Two see this as an impeding disaster. Gene Krantz sees an opportunity to shine. How will their attitudes shape the future?

We can’t influence the present, but we can control how we respond to it. Which of these three men would you want running the show if you were stuck in space and your life depended on it? Who would the people that you lead rather have?