My book, The Flight Level Chronicles,
is a collection of feel-good stories highlighting the happy and positive
aspects of general aviation. A loosely related short story called “Reflections from a Little Yellow Airplane”
is included as a bonus chapter. Reflections
is a tale of appreciation – enjoying the amazement of nature in autumn, the
wonder of low and slow flight in a small Piper Cub and the kindness of a friend
who found a way to create a smile.
Most aviators fly not for the money or gold bars on
shoulders. They fly because they love it. Certainly, some flights are true
challenges, tapping every modicum of a pilot’s skill. Those experiences are,
thankfully, small in number. Nearly every flight offers a chance to glance
earthward at a quilt-like landscape, or appreciate a billowing, impressive
cloud formation. In what other profession does one have an office perched tens
of thousands of feet in the sky? Moments to appreciate abound in the world of
aviation. |
| Incredible Views are Moments to Appreciate Photo by Lillian LeBlanc |
Great leaders help employees appreciate the moments by:
1.
Taking
time to say “thanks.” Nothing puts a smile on someone’s face faster than a
quick note of appreciation. A tough job becomes a rewarding challenge when one’s
efforts are noticed and appreciated. Thanks can be conveyed verbally, by email
or by handwritten note. Debate rages as to which is most effective but the key point
is to simply do it.
2.
Modeling
pride. Every job and every organization has its good points and bad points.
Pride of affiliation – the good feeling one gets from belonging to a group – is
directly correlated to employee engagement. Leaders who visibly demonstrate
pride in their organizations, even during difficult times, infuse the good
feeling directly to their workgroups
3. Celebrating – often. In my long HR career, I’ve noticed that a
lighter atmosphere and smiles are much more prevalent during the holiday
season. Even in the busiest organizations, when deadlines loom large, the holidays
offer a change to gather and enjoy the camaraderie of coworkers. However,
celebration needn’t be limited to a few days at year-end. Ever notice how moods
change when someone walks in with homemade baked goods? One leader I know makes
a purposeful effort to bake sweet, tasty pastries any time her workgroup is
experiencing a challenge. Her staff truly appreciates the moments.
The next time you fly, whether as a passenger in the back of
a commercial jet or as a pilot at the controls, take a moment to look out the
window. (Yes, this is possible even from across the aisle.) Take a moment to
savor what you see, whether a cloud, a reflected rainbow or a special ray of
light. When your feet return to earth, as you walk through the airport, find
something small to make you smile – a family gathered with excited small children
headed to see a special mouse, an older couple quietly holding hands or a uniformed
crewmember on a cell phone, taking a moment out to be a parent while between
flights. As you return to your job, make an effort to seek out circumstances,
people, or moments to appreciate.
The more you practice, the easier it will be to find small
things to savor. Moreover, you’ll find that your appreciation becomes
contagious. If you’re a leader, you will have unlocked one simple secret to
energizing and motivating your team.
Recommended readings for this post include two of my
favorite books: The Daily Carrot Principle: 365 Ways to
Enhance Your Career and Life, by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton is a
wonderful book for any leader – or any individual. It provides daily tips to
enhance appreciation and recognition. Weekend
Wings, by Frank Kingston Smith, is a happy collection of tales that
collectively convey the joy of flying. In a time of reality shows and mean-spirited
exposés, Smith’s book shows aviators and non-aviators alike how to appreciate simple,
good and pleasant moments.
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