Build A Curious Mind
When I drive a car, I use the “steering wheel” to steer the car around. But when I jump into an airplane, I can’t use the obvious “steering wheel” in front of me. I have to use rudder pedals located down by the feet. Yes, you steer a plane with your feet.
When faced with unique situations, you can’t grasp for the most obvious option. You must be ready for the unexpected. You have to be open to nuances and treat every situation with a sense of exploration.
Especially when under pressure, we narrow in on what immediately seems the best course of action. But those who are passionate about continuous learning contemplate a wide range of options and perspectives. Then you figure out what skills are going to be needed to get the job done and go gather those skills. Focusing on learning and rewarding your team for cultivating a curious mindset will reap long-term benefits.
It’s all you in the end. If you are flying and an emergency pops up, you can’t pull over to the shoulder and wait for help. The pilot needs to manage the problem.
As a leader, you will be faced with constantly changing situations. Sometimes you have to throw conventional wisdom out the window and follow your intuition.
You can always read books on leadership or learn from watching other leaders, but there is no substitute for doing it yourself. Flying solo as a leader allows you the opportunity to discover yourself, your skills and your personal limits.
Final thoughts: Flying an aircraft or leading an organization is a huge responsibility and a demanding task. Be certain of why you are doing what you are doing, simplify complex things when you encounter them, maintain focus and lead by example. You are bound to make mistakes, but pick yourself up and keep flying.
Have you had a close call or a cool aviation experience that left a lasting impression? We’d love to share your story in the magazine! We’re looking for stories that are between 1,100 and 1,500 words long that tell a great story. If you’re interested, you can always write us a note outlining your experience and we’ll get back to you right away. The pay is small potatoes, $101, but if your story is chosen, you’ll get to work with our great illustrator Gabriel Campanario and have him bring your memory to life.
Email us (sorry, no phone calls or snail mail) at editor@planeandpilotmag.com and put Lessons Learned Submission in the subject line.
