Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

If you're beginning to think that running a business is rocket science, maybe you should take a look at a new book that Jim Longuski, former NASA worker and Purdue University professor of aeronautics and astronautics has written called, "The Seven Secrets of How To Think Like A Rocket Scientist."

One excellent point that is mentioned in the book is how easy it can be for managers and leaders in important positions to skip a step. The major reason why that happens is because what are thought of as "dumb" question that are very important are never asked.

He uses the fairly recent example of the Mars Climate Orbiter where the question was never asked "Are these numbers in metric or in the English system?" Do you remember the result and the ensuing coverage of the $200 million spacecraft that smashed into the planet Mars? I do. All of it because the right questions weren't asked.

One writer commenting on the book says this concerning the book and its "Rocket Science" theme:

"That doesn't mean filling a blackboard with equations on trajectories or spacecraft design. It means dreaming big, coming up with a lofty goal, then breaking the plan into simple steps. It also helps to pick good people, ask dumb questions, check your arithmetic and have a backup plan."

Another important insight that Longuski talks about in the book is in relationship to limitations. He says in the book, "It is easy and fun to say, 'Think outside the box,' and there is a time for that kind of thinking. But when you want to get real, you have to stay inside the constraint box - that's where the challenge is."

Now he's touching on one of most important aspects of running a business that we need to remember: Anybody can dream a dream, but to achieve that dream within the constraints given you is true management ability.

While the process of brainstorming and throwing ideas around is a lot of fun (and it needs to be done), its naive to think that when it comes down to it, there won't be limitations connected to the creation of a product or service and its costs.  

An excellent look from a different way of looking at things. It's a stimulating, easy read.