--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: we were on a dangerous collision course…" description: "\"“we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship. The captain then called to the signalman, “Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, adv..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe0/stephen-r-covey-1501_change-course_we-were-on-a-dangerous-collision-course_1480360.jpg" --- # we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship… ![“we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship. The captain then called to the signalman, “Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change course 20 degrees.” Back came a signal, “Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees.” The captain said, “Send, I’m a captain…” quote by Stephen R. Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe0/stephen-r-covey-1501_change-course_we-were-on-a-dangerous-collision-course_1480360.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe0/stephen-r-covey-1501_change-course_we-were-on-a-dangerous-collision-course_1480360.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe0/stephen-r-covey-1501_change-course_we-were-on-a-dangerous-collision-course_1480360.jpg) > ““we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship. The captain then called to the signalman, “Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change course 20 degrees.” Back came a signal, “Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees.” The captain said, “Send, I’m a captain, change course 20 degrees.” “I’m a seaman second class,” came the reply. “You had better change course 20 degrees.” By that time, the captain was furious. He spat out, “Send, I’m a battleship. Change course 20 degrees.” Back came the flashing light, “I’m a lighthouse.”” [Stephen R. Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-r-covey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A story illustrates how hierarchy can impede clear communication, emphasizing the need for humility and proper channels **In simple terms:** Authority can block effective signaling; humility improves coordination Key Takeaway Listen before asserting authority Themes communication leadership hierarchy Mood thoughtful educational Type leadership communication When to use this quote - team meetings - crisis management - organizational change - training programs Key Concepts Power dynamics effective listening Questions to Reflect On - How can leaders foster open dialogue? - What structures ensure messages are heard? A Different Perspective Rigid hierarchies can cause dangerous misunderstandings ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [River](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/river/) ## Related quotes > [“captain then called to the signalman, “Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-r-covey/captain-then-called-to-the-signalman-signal-that-ship-we-are-on-a/) [Stephen R. 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Covey quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-r-covey/) ## More River quotes > [The least unhappy persons do, in so fickle and so tempestuous a sea as this world, meet with many more either cross winds or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-boyle/the-least-unhappy-persons-do-in-so-fickle-and-so-tempestuous-a-sea-as/) [Robert Boyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-boyle/) > [Somehow the river is louder when you cover your ears.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niall-williams/somehow-the-river-is-louder-when-you-cover-your-ears/) [Niall Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niall-williams/) > [“The river itself is not a hundred yards across, and pa and Vernon and Vardaman and Dewey Dell are the only things in sight…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-faulkner/the-river-itself-is-not-a-hundred-yards-across-and-pa-and-vernon-and/) [William Faulkner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-faulkner/) > [One of the unique things is that whether we were out at sea or in the middle of the water tank, a lot of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-c-reilly/one-of-the-unique-things-is-that-whether-we-were-out-at-sea-or-in-the/) [John C. 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The captain then called to the signalman, “Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change course 20 degrees.” Back came a signal, “Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees.” The captain said, “Send, I’m a captain, change course 20 degrees.” “I’m a seaman second class,” came the reply. “You had better change course 20 degrees.” By that time, the captain was furious. He spat out, “Send, I’m a battleship. Change course 20 degrees.” Back came the flashing light, “I’m a lighthouse.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Stephen R. 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