People problems and pilots
Imagine being crammed in a room the size of a cupboard with an autocratic boss, who you don’t particularly like or respect. Imagine that you have to sit with him or her in this small, confined space for over 8 hours. You have to get on with the person because your career and 300 people’s lives depend on it.
It sounds like some sort of torture.
My friend Rob is a pilot and he often experiences this. He is a first officer (just below captain) and flies Airbuses.
He said that when he chose his career, he never anticipated the extent to which his diplomacy and people skills would be tested.
For safety reasons, pilots always fly in groups of two or three so every day Rob flies long trips in the small cockpit with a different person from the pool of captains.
We discussed the high pressure, heavily regulated environment in which pilots operate and he said he has flown with many captains with a range of personality types. He has flown with gentle, humble, affable types and those who are egotistical, arrogant, risk takers.
Pilots experience the leader/follower roles acutely. They cannot escape and, for the safety of the passengers, they have to make an effort to get on with the person sitting next to them. They avoid back chatting and try to challenge in a diplomatic, respectful way so as not to endure 8+ hours of sulking and silence during their trips together.
Rob made three interesting comments that I think all leaders should consider:
1. Leaders should listen
He said he wished senior captains listened and observed more. They should not assume they know everything because of their position and experience. No one knows everything and even the best captains can learn something new.
He believes captains should sometimes sit back and watch how their first officer lands or takes off. They may see a new, modern technique or a better, alternative way of doing something. They need not admit they didn’t know it themselves and then feel stupid. By quietly observing, they could learn new skills that could make them even better captains.
2. Leaders do not inspire those below them by being intimidating, critical and aloof
Rob said the best people to fly with are the ones who are knowledgeable and risk averse but who balance their rank and experience with a friendly, non-intimidating personality. This makes work fun.
3. Good leaders are diplomatic and do not make others feel ashamed of their mistakes
Rob believes the best captains are the ones who let you know you could have improved a take off or landing but who don’t make you feel bad or guilty about it. The best captains are renowned for their diplomacy.
At TomorrowToday we are committed to helping leaders be invitational and as good as they can be.
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