Witnessing the live heroic rescue of trapped Chilean miners on television this week can only be described as amazing. Seemingly crude equipment pulled trapped mines 2300 feet to freedom on the earth’s surface in Copiapó, Chile.
What happened in Chile is a tremendous example of leadership in action. Just consider the massive engineering medical teams that were assembled to free those trapped for more than two months. The Fenix rescue capsule, similar to models used in other mining accidents, might look like confined equipment or a claustrophobic device. Yet, it has become an engineering breakthrough.
More than that, we have learned that there was definitive leadership and collaboration among the miners trapped below.
Apparently Luis Urzua, the mine shift chief, served as the de facto leader administering rationed food, keeping morale and stamina up, and coordinating communication with those above. More importantly, he prepared for the rescue effort from the moment of the cave-in. He kept the trapped miners on a schedule, implemented rules and regulations, and created simulated work and living quarters in the mine shaft. Later, he coordinated with Chilean government officials on the surface to coordinate the rescue and additional rations and supplies. Now, that is true leadership.
Urzua and the rescue teams reinforce key points I make in my book Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success about fortitude and having the inner strength to preserve during unexpected life situations.
As the world watched with nervous excitement, I’m reminded there is an opportunity to learn collaboration during crisis situations. I’m relieved to see the international presence throughout the rescue effort. This story certainly has to be among of this year’s most poignant moments, if not ranked among memorable and elaborate rescue operations in history.
Given the human isolation and courageous leadership in this extreme circumstance, I’d be the first to tip my hat to the miners and contributors to the freedom effort. All have restored hope in humanity and the importance of leadership.
-Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
