We Are All Inertial Navigation Systems

You are more like an Inertial Navigation System (INS) than you think. Especially since you probably haven't thought about an Inertial Navigation System very much. An INS is a critical device used in submarine navigation. It allows a submarine to operate for extended periods of time underwater and remain within a circle we call a PUC (pronounced PUCK), or position of uncertainty. It is able to track the position of the ship through a combination of sensors called accelerometers and a ring laser gyro. These sensors allow the sub to predict its position (or fix) with tight accuracy, without the need for an external source (GPS).

As robust at this system is, it must be monitored constantly for performance and adjusted when necessary. There are several adjustments that can be made, but for the purposes of this article, we will analyze a "Hard" and "Soft" reset. An adept navigation team will understand when to perform them, and by doing so, continue to improve the performance of the system over time.

While INS can be operated for several days without input, a prudent navigation team will frequently check its performance compared to an external source like GPS. At least once per day, as long as operations allow, a submarine will come to periscope depth where it can receive a GPS fix. GPS is considered an actual fix and it is then compared to the predicted position, or the INS fix. It is here the decision needs to be made, "Soft" or "Hard" reset. A "Soft" reset simply tells the INS to reset its predicted fix to the GPS fix and continue doing what it has been doing. A "Hard" reset does the same thing but also takes into consideration the difference between the two fixes and tells the computer systems to incorporate this difference and how it developed into future predictions. The timing on when to perform these is truly an art. I was fortunate to have been blessed with an absolutely top-notch navigation team that understood these principles. It allowed us to steam over 35,000 nautical miles when I served as the Navigator/Operations Officer on the USS HAWAII (SSN 776).

As leaders one of our greatest challenges is being able to time our "Soft" and "Hard" resets. Those we have been charged to lead, like these complex systems, can typically operate for days or weeks without intervention. We provide them a solid foundation to work from and they "Go to Work" within the circle (PUC) we have established. Experience will dictate how large of PUC to provide, but they should have freedom to navigate on their own and still be within safe waters. Then mixed with these "Hard" and "Soft" resets, we provide the feedback necessary to see a continued increase in performance.

Don't misconstrue a "Hard" reset as a bad thing. The bad or good is only determined by your delivery, tone, timing and most importantly empathy. Hopefully you lead individuals that want to continue to improve, they will appreciate the reset if it is done from the right place. How do you get to the right place? The "Soft" Reset.

The "Soft" reset is being present. Physically, mentally and emotionally. Provide meaningful and specific positive feedback. Show appreciation through actions not just words. Seek to understand their struggles and triumphs at work and at home. Be a listener. Allow them to work. If they are in the PUC and the trajectory doesn't show you hitting something, let them continue to do their work. This is how they will learn, grow, adapt and overcome. If you do these things, the "Hard" reset will happen automatically when it needs to happen. It will be in the right tone and those you lead will feel your sincere desire to see everyone be successful. Be present, all the time. If you can't, maybe you need a reset also.

Leader resets are no different. Sometimes you need time away to reset your work-life balance. Sometimes you need your own leader or mentor to provide the "Soft" and "Hard" resets. In my opinion though, the most effective reset can come from meeting with yourself (self-reflection), your peers and those whom you lead. If you have figured out how to nail the "Soft" reset, your team will naturally and sincerely give you feedback. Don't be offended if you get the occasional "Hard" reset, it comes from a place of passion and sincerity. Internalize it and adjust, seek to be a better leader every day.