No margin of error was tolerated, as the open sea was merciless toward any miscalculation by man. Using the ancient canoe as a model, a closer look at voyaging, or preparing for a voyage would illustrate dramatically all the same principles and practices that could be applied toward operating a successful business today. Cultural methods were profuse with such practices, and anyone familiarizing themselves with these could easily parallel and convert those principles to modern-day business language. Before any voyage is attempted, months and even years of preparation are applied. The destination is predetermined, the distances calculated, and the time frames established.
Dry foods are prepared months in advance.
Crews are trained with precision. Equipment and spare parts are cataloged and stored. Plans and alternatives are discussed, with every possibility anticipated. The mighty ocean allows no second chance. Centuries of experience and technology stored in the minds of these island-based mariners must suffice.