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Just Do Nothing

Some years back I was enjoying a chat with a former B-52 commander about emergencies, and he told me something about his training that has stuck. They had a mechanical clock in the cockpit, and they were trained that at the first sign of all but the most critical emergencies they should wind the clock.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • In non-critical situations, take a moment to pause, gather information, and analyze before acting, rather than reacting immediately.
  • Differentiate between true emergencies requiring immediate action and "abnormal" situations that allow for thoughtful analysis and planned responses.
  • Avoid hasty, reflexive actions or completing checklists without consideration, as strategic delays or verification can lead to better outcomes.
  • Resist the urge to overreact to minor discrepancies; reflection often provides a more effective and less disruptive solution.
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Some years back I was enjoying a chat with a former B-52 commander about emergencies, and he told me something about his training that has stuck. They had a mechanical clock in the cockpit, and they were trained that at the first sign of all but the most critical emergencies they should wind the clock.

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