By Alan B. Combs

Hyperbaric chambers have been in the news lately because they were made available to treat decompression injury in the recently-rescued coal miners. More traditionally, we see them used for the prevention of the “bends” in deep sea divers who have to return to the surface too quickly.

Recenly certain companies have found that hyperbaric chambers are useful in determining the professional qualifications of potential CEOs. The process is to put them in the chamber with the interior inflated to several atmospheres. The next step is to instruct each one to attach a belt around the waist.

Contrary to what you might expect, the people that can do it are disqualified for service. Companies don’t want to hire leaders who are likely to buckle under pressure.