Leadership Under Pressure | When HMS Nottingham Hit Wolf Rock with Richard Farrington CBE & Martin Johnson | The People Performance Podcast

Podcast

Mar 21

Introduction: A Collision That Tested Leadership

Imagine standing on the bridge of a warship in the middle of the ocean. Suddenly, a violent jolt shakes the vessel. The alarms blare. Water rushes in. Your crew looks to you, their captain, to lead them through chaos.

This was the reality for Captain Richard Farrington CBE, commanding officer of HMS Nottingham, when the Type 42 destroyer struck Wolf Rock near Lord Howe Island. What followed was a dramatic test of leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under extreme pressure.

It’s a story that continues to resonate far beyond the Royal Navy. These lessons are as relevant to modern organisations as they are to military history. That’s why our CEO, Martin Johnson, brought this case to life in a keynote at the T2 Leadership Retreat, after first welcoming Captain Farrington onto The People Performance Podcast.

Who is Richard Farrington CBE?

Richard Farrington CBE is a highly respected leader with a distinguished career in the Royal Navy.

As the commanding officer of HMS Nottingham, Farrington’s leadership was tested in one of the most high-profile naval incidents of recent times. His decisions during and after the collision exemplify the qualities leaders need when the stakes are at their highest.

The HMS Nottingham Incident

On a routine deployment, HMS Nottingham struck Wolf Rock, a submerged hazard near Lord Howe Island. The impact tore open the hull, flooding compartments and threatening the safety of the crew and the ship itself.

In those critical moments, Farrington had to act fast: protect his people, prevent further damage, and find a way to save a warship stranded thousands of miles from home.

What stands out isn’t just the severity of the crisis, but the way the crew responded. Their calm, coordinated actions reflected years of preparation and the trust they had in their leader.

Key Leadership Stories

From the collision of HMS Nottingham come lessons that apply across every field — military, corporate, and beyond.

Preparation and Repetition
When the crisis hit, the crew responded instinctively. Their ability to stay calm came from rigorous training and repeated drills. Preparation builds resilience.
Decisive Action in Crisis
Leaders rarely have the luxury of perfect information. Farrington made the bold call to get the ship off the rocks, a decision that carried risk — but ultimately saved lives and the vessel.
Adaptability and Innovation
In moments of pressure, the crew used creative problem-solving, including stuffing bedding into leaks to stop water ingress. True leadership encourages this kind of innovation under fire.
The Power of Communication
Farrington balanced clear, calm communication with the need to avoid panic. His ability to share critical information while keeping morale steady was central to survival.
Trust and Camaraderie
Years of relationship-building paid off. The crew trusted their captain and each other, creating the cohesion necessary to navigate the crisis together.

Why It Matters Today

The collision of HMS Nottingham may have taken place at sea, but its lessons reach far into the business world.

Whether you’re leading a naval crew, a hospital team, or a global corporation, the same principles apply: clarity, decisiveness, preparation, and trust.

That’s why these lessons feature in the T2 Leadership Retreat, where Martin Johnson and our team equip senior leaders with practical tools to thrive in times of uncertainty. Farrington’s story is not just history — it’s a timeless blueprint for leadership in the real world.