Culture Challenge of the Week: America, Listing Left and Sinking Fast
Who can forget the images last month of the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia, tipped on its side, half submerged in frigid waters off the coast of Italy? The cause: arrogant recklessness and devastatingly poor leadership. The cost: 16 dead, 16 missing, and millions of dollars in damage.
The captain—brash and arrogant—deviated from the proven course to pursue his own agenda. He maneuvered too close to the rocky shoreline and nature did the rest, resulting in a crippling tear to the ship’s hull. Worse, as the ship began to list, the captain ordered a meal, denied fault, failed to summon rescuers or direct a safe evacuation, and eventually jumped ship ahead of his panicked passengers. His actions cost precious lives and untold millions.