Broken Stuff

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It seems like the last couple weeks is about broken stuff. Angie was rear ended on her way to work. The car is broken. The refrigerator also decided to croak. Trying to catch up, gain back lost ground. We have a new car, very similar to the rudely smashed up car. I had it shipped from Texas. Also have a new a new fridge and backup freezer and fridge. Spring is very sprung. The pollen seems worse that usual this year. In Atlanta we complain about the traffic and the pollen, neither one is really as bad as we say.

This study has come up through the wires (many different wires). It makes perfect sense to me.

http://newsinfo.nd.edu/news/25416-flying-bosses-new-study-highlights-why-ceo-pilots-make-good-leaders/

Study

http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1785413

Comments

David said…
Hmm, interesting. So, what would you say -according to your own experience being both a pilot AND in a leading position at a global company - are the 1-2 key benefits that you have gained for your job from flying?
Charles said…
In the same way Toastmasters helps folks confront fear, aviation takes it to another level. When you pre-flight and run-up a plane you are removing risks of the bad things that can happen. If you want to be totally safe, stay at home? "Life without risk is not worth living". "Takeoffs are optional, landings are not".

Flying and management are similar in that there is trust and there is leverage. The more you can intelligently trust (others and yourself) the more you can leverage. Smart leverage is the key ingredient to success, both personally and organizationally.

The other thing that I have gained for my job from flying is understanding that the human brain shrinks when under stress. You get stupid when you have conflicting inputs and things look dire. Being able to think through the chaos and be able to force yourself to think freely and creatively when your body is being tossed around are highly applicable to skills needed in executive management.

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