Saving more lives on the Titanic!

 Decisions that could have
saved more lives from the Titanic! 

The Sampson was 7 miles away from the Titanic when they heard the distress call but because the crew had been hunting seals illegally and  didn't want to be caught, so they never responded to the Titanic’s SOS. 

The captain and crew on this ship represents those who are so self-absorbed and deep in their need to satisfy their greed, that all rational and moral reasoning diluted and clouded their ability to recognize the dire need of the passengers on the Titanic. The decision made by this crew … that saving lives was less important than receiving a fine for illegal fishing is not any different to decisions made in business where self-serving interest will cloud ethical judgement.  

 

The SS Californian  

This ship was only 14 miles away from the Titanic, but because the conditions weren't favorable and it was dark, the crew convinced themselves that nothing bad was really happening. So, they decided that other ships in the vicinity would be of more benefit to the Titanic than they could. They decided to stay on their original course. 

This captain and crew  represent those of us who say “I don’t have the time to help right now, and it's not that bad so someone else can help them fix it”. Maybe we could help if conditions were better. Again, this is a decision that is made from a lack of connection and engagement to the larger responsibility that we all have beyond our comfort zones. Often, we are called to do things that are not easy or comfortable yet are the right things to do.  Every day in business the path of least resistance is taken and justified as the right decision only to be revisited later. 

 

The RMS Carpathia

This ship was headed in a southern direction 58 miles away from the Titanic when they heard the distress cries over the radio. The captain of this ship prayed to God for direction, turned the ship around and went full steam ahead through the ice fields. This was the ship that saved the 705 survivors of the Titanic. 

This captain and crew made the right decision. Obstacles and reasons to avoid responsibility will always be a part of our thinking but we need to recognize that some decisions need to include a larger and bigger responsibility.  We need to be  acutely aware of the  impact of our decisions on others and on the situations, we are facing. A single decision made from a lack of awareness can impact many lives and damage a business forever. Our focus in these situations should always include the greater good. In this way we build greater trust and play a valuable role through compassionate capitalism and in the orchestra of life.