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And I think that still is true of this business - which is…

“And I think that still is true of this business - which is basically research and development - that you probably spend more time in planning and training and designing for things to go wrong, and how you cope with them, than you do for things to go right.” quote by Alan Shepard
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“And I think that still is true of this business - which is basically research and development - that you probably spend more time in planning and training and designing for things to go wrong, and how you cope with them, than you do for things to go right.”

Alan Shepard

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Emphasizes that in R&D most effort goes into anticipating and handling failures rather than celebrating successes.

In simple terms: R&D focuses on planning for problems.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize risk management.

Themes

risk management planning research development failure success

Mood

cautious analytical pragmatic

Type

advisory reflective

When to use this quote

  • project management
  • product development
  • innovation
  • team leadership

Key Concepts

contingency planning probability assessment design for failure learning from mistakes

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can teams balance preparation for failure with celebrating wins?
  • What practices foster a culture that learns from both success and failure?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on negatives can stifle optimism and creativity.

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