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FLIGHT DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Leadership Styles for Aviation Managers by Jack Olcott n aviator seeking to transition from pilot or maintenance specialist to departmental manager should be aware of fundamental leadership styles, and relate those styles to his or her understanding of what needs to be accomplished. This article will outline the most frequently cited styles and relate them to typical scenarios found within flight departments. A word of caution, however: Rarely does one style fit all situations.
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AUTHORITARIAN Perhaps the Authoritarian leadership style is most aligned with an aviator’s experi-
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WORLD AIRCRAFT SALES MAGAZINE – May 2014
ences. Many aspects of aviation are exacting. For example, an aircraft’s desired approach speed is a precise number determined by weight, aircraft configuration, density altitude and wind conditions. When the co-pilot is given the opportunity to fly the approach and the captain is acting as safety pilot or instructor, there is little tolerance between what the captain desires and what the co-pilot is expected to achieve. If there is any doubt regarding what the co-pilot is or should be doing, the captain makes his or her intentions crystal clear and intercedes as needed. The captain is exhibiting the characteristics of an authoritarian leader. www.AvBuyer.com
An authoritarian leader maintains tight control over those employees he or she manages. Usually the relationship between leader and follower is strictly professional, often boarding on cold and impersonal. Supervision is very close, with little room for individualism on the part of those being managed. The leader sets the goals; usually engages in one-way communications when issuing directions; controls the conversation; and allows interaction by permission, rather than encouraging twoway dialogue. The leader needs to clearly communicate what is expected, since an authoritarian style often stifles feedback and questions. Aircraft Index see Page 4