The first step to solving problems like an astronaut

In my TEDx talk Let’s teach our children to problem solve like astronauts, I shared the story of the Apollo 13 engineers who were handed a box of items from the spacecraft and told:
“We need to make this fit into that, using only this.”
It’s a perfect example of what I call an Explorer’s Environment, a place where ideas are welcomed, failure isn’t punished, and teamwork is the norm.
Because you can’t explore if you don’t feel safe to do so.
This isn’t about physical surroundings, it’s about the emotional and cultural space you operate in. Astronauts train in an environment of psychological safety = a shared belief that you won’t be embarrassed, blamed, or punished for speaking up, making a mistake, or trying something new.
Without it, people stay quiet.
With it, they innovate, collaborate, and grow.
So here’s my question for you:
Where in your work or life do you feel safe to share an idea, ask a question, or admit you don’t know? And where don’t you?
Because if you want creativity and problem-solving to flourish, in a team, in a classroom, or even at the dinner table, you have to start by building that kind of environment.
If you haven’t yet watched the talk, you can find it here:
🎥 Let’s teach our children to problem solve like astronauts
And if you’d like more practical ways to apply this, I’ve put together The Explorer’s Toolkit, a free PDF that walks you through the framework I use with high-performing teams:
👉 Download the Explorer’s Toolkit
Next week, we’ll explore Step 2: The Explorer’s Mindset, how to quiet the fear of being wrong and approach challenges with curiosity.
Have a great weekend!