I have always loved that story Stephen Covey relates in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
A battleship, Covey writes, was sailing through the darkness of a foggy night.
Suddenly a lookout on the bridge reported, “Light, bearing on the starboard bow.”
The captain inquired as to whether or not it was steady or moving astern.
“Steady, captain” came back the answer.
The captain growled to the signalman, “Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change your course 20 degrees.”
A moment later a response came: “Advisable for you to change your course 20 degrees.” The captain, Covey writes, became furious.
He spat out, “Send, ‘Change course 20 degrees. I’m a battleship.’”
Back came the signal, “I’m a lighthouse.”
