In military flying, studying and training on emergency procedures (EPs) was constant. Quick thinking and disciplined responses were expected as a minimum standard to succeed in a military aviation career.
EPs raise emotion. EPs tax the most skilled pilot in spite of any outward bravado. The idea behind repetition and difficulty in training was to make the real thing seem relatively easy and to greatly increase the chances of a successful conclusion. Although I despised EP simulator flights (EP sims) as much as the next pilot, they were invaluable preparation for emergencies that invariably occurred in the real airplane.
Here are a few lessons from EP sims and flying in general that relate to the study and practice of leadership.
Keep Flying
When a pilot encounters any type of emergency situation, the natural tendency is to focus too much attention on the emergency. There is more than one story of an aviator too distracted with a problem to fly safely. As a beginning Air Force pilot, I will never forget a sim ride where I became so distracted from basic flying I ran into a mountain. The instructor’s quiet words of, “You would be dead right now if you had been in an airplane” was very sobering.
In the business setting, most of us do not have the privilege of shutting down the machine to redesign and rebuild it to meet the latest marketplace needs. The company must continue operating as we do our respective leadership work. A practical leader will continue directing what should be accomplished today while honoring timeless principles and continuous improvement.
The real leader will constantly evaluate if the current movement aligns with mission objectives. This is not about feel-good but about results. This is about meeting competitive demands in our very fast-paced economy, regardless of the organization type. It takes courage but it is a critical skill for the leader to do the right things.
Next time, we’ll look at two more leadership secrets of an aviator.
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