“It was our pleasure to participate in one great adventure.” (Neil Armstrong, opening remarks)

(L to R) Apollo 11 astronauts, Edwin E. Aldrin, Neil A. Armstrong, and Michael Collins, at press conference after their moon flight. (Photo by Lynn Pelham/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)

“Too often, the search for simplicity overlooks important realities. Even so, a manager may conclude that any model or theory is better than nothing in the face of confusion and mystery. True believers may defend their faith with fervor.” (Bolman, pg. 350)

Knowing this, it makes complete sense to me to that an organizational figurehead, Neil Armstrong, would be offered, center stage, to divert attention and confuse media admirers, by spending an hour giving a public relations spiel about the team effort that went into the NASA project, rather than the mission. (it is ironic to me, that I’m a Apollo disbeliever, wearing a NASA shirt, but anyway). His press conference remarks work well, because highlight the larger effort, while doing a good job of shifting focus about any real topic or individual.

The Apollo Astronauts were never happy heroes. Does a moonshot have the side effect of terminal despondence?

Apollo 11 Facts: Press Conference (1969). (Neil Armstrong) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI_ZehPOMwI

Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2003). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. (Print)