Leading a Business is Like Piloting a Plane
by: Brett MacNeil
Last week while conducting some recurrent flight training, I was reminded of a class, Leader of Leaders, I took recently at Wharton taught by Michael Useem and Gregory Shea. In that class the instructors introduced the concept of “The Leaders Checklist” and drew a comparison to piloting a plane. Leading a business and piloting a plane may seem unrelated at first glance, but when you examine the core principles involved, you'll find surprising similarities. Both require skilled leadership, careful decision-making, and the ability to navigate through various challenges. In this blog, we'll explore how the role of leading a business is akin to piloting an aircraft, drawing valuable lessons from each scenario.
1. Charting a Clear Course:
Just as a pilot charts a flight plan, a business leader must establish a clear vision , mission, core values and strategic plan for the company. These documents serve as roadmaps for achieving objectives and reaching desired destinations.
2. Monitoring Performance:
In aviation, pilots continuously monitor aircraft performance and systems. Similarly, business leaders must keep a close eye on key performance indicators, financial metrics, and operational efficiency to ensure the health of their organizations.
3. Making In-Flight Adjustments:
Pilots often need to make mid-flight adjustments due to changing weather or air traffic. Business leaders must be agile and willing to adapt to shifting market conditions, customer feedback, and internal dynamics to stay on course.
4. Crew and Team Dynamics:
Aircraft crews rely on effective teamwork and communication. In business, a cohesive team with strong leadership is essential for achieving goals, fostering innovation, and resolving challenges.
5. Handling Emergencies:
Both pilots and business leaders encounter unexpected crises. Whether it's a sudden loss of cabin pressure or a sudden market disruption, the ability to assess the situation, respond timely and calmly, and take appropriate action is critical.
6. Navigating Economic Turbulence:
Like turbulence during a flight, businesses may face economic downturns or industry disruptions. Leaders must be prepared to steer their organizations through these rough patches while maintaining stability.
7. Balancing Risk and Reward:
Pilots evaluate risks and rewards when deciding on flight paths. Business leaders must similarly weigh the risks and potential rewards of various strategies, investments, and decisions.
8. Landing Safely and Achieving Goals:
A successful flight ends with a safe landing, just as a successful business journey culminates in the achievement of strategic goals and milestones set by the leader.
Conclusion:
Leading a business shares several key attributes with piloting an aircraft. Both roles require vision, strategic planning, adaptability, strong communication, and the ability to navigate through unexpected challenges. By embracing these parallels, business leaders can approach their roles with greater clarity and confidence, ensuring their organizations not only stay aloft but also soar toward success. So, as you steer your business through the dynamic marketplace, remember that the principles of leadership, adaptability, and sound decision-making are your compass and co-pilot.
The following is a summary from the Leaders of Leaders course. More can be found @ The Leader's Checklist: 15 Mission-Critical Principles - Nano Tools for Leaders (upenn.edu) or buy the book on Amazon @ The Leader's Checklist, 10th Anniversary Edition: 16 Mission-Critical Principles: Useem, Michael: 9781613631188: Amazon.com: Books
As seen in Wharton research, leadership makes a greater difference in dynamic, risky or uncertain environments,.
A leader’s checklist comprises mission-critical items, is as simple as possible, but not simpler, and is customized around your unique challenges.
The checklist for most leaders includes articulating a vision and strategy, honoring the room, thinking and acting strategically, deciding decisively, and leading through other leaders.
Build a team’s leaders checklist as well, including the right size, diverse membership, and engaged players.
Construct a checklist for leading other leaders.
Identify the personal steps you can take to strengthen your own leadership of leaders.
~ Michael Useem