The Missing Links: Launching A High Performing Company Culture

In 2003, the Columbia Space Shuttle exploded on re-entry, resulting in the loss of life for all seven astronauts, and leaving NASA with a huge problem. But this problem wasn't easily identified. The investigation revealed that the organizational culture was as much to blame for the explosion as technical difficulties.

he authors were asked to lead the needed cultural changes so the shuttles could launch again. Based on this experience, Drs. Gallaher and Meade apply their vast expertise to map out the missing links between human nature and organizational culture.

Readers will discover how their work at the Kennedy Space Center helped create their model and how it has been applied to numerous organizations across industries. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to apply this model to your organization to create a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and productivity.

About the Authors

Dr. Phillip Meade is an industrial engineer, strategy expert, professional speaker, and USA Today best-selling author.

Dr. Laura Gallaher is an organizational psychologist, professional speaker, leadership coach, and USA Today best-selling author.

Together, they created a recovery plan to return to flight and drive organizational change in the aftermath of the fatal Columbia disaster. For nearly 30 years, Phillip has worked with NASA, providing leadership and management to the nation's space program across a variety of functional and discipline areas. Following the Space Shuttle Columbia accident in 2003, he developed a plan for the organizational and cultural changes necessary for return to flight and led a team of organizational psychologists to change the cultural influences that were deemed to play a role in the tragedy. Under his leadership, the organizational and cultural changes instituted were recognized as the benchmark for culture change.

In addition to working with Phillip at NASA, Laura was also hired to help manage the change associated with radical changes in the performance management process and philosophy at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Together, they own Gallaher Edge, a consulting company for leaders where they have worked with companies across numerous industries to help them improve and manage their culture.

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