Agile ~ the ability to move quickly and easily.
Flexible~ characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements
Resilient~ implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed
On January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization declared the 2019 Novel Coronavirus disease outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. On March 11, 2020, the Novel Coronavirus Disease COVID-19, was declared a pandemic. On March 13, 2020, a national emergency was declared in the United States of America concerning the COVID-19 Outbreak. It has proven to have true global health and economic impact, whether the industry is health, commerce, education, technology, and of course transportation, such as the aviation industry.
Just as with the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, in years to come, we too, will remember where we were, who was with us, and more than that, the feeling that came over us in that very moment when it was announced that the COVID-19 pandemic had reached the United States of America. We will tell personal stories for years to come to our grandchildren while sitting on the front porch of how it impacted the many aspects of our lives, our businesses and ‘how we got over’ the challenge.
Change is inevitable. It always has been. But the often-asked question remains to be, ‘how do we prepare for change when you don’t know the what, the where or the when’?
I love competitive sports, even to this day, like basketball, football, soccer and baseball. During the COVID-19 Stay At Home order, I began to reflect over my life. I quickly realized that not only have I applied many of the principles learned through sports, they became my default or my ‘go-to’ in times of uncertainty, and even in crisis such as now.
As an aviation business consultant, how do I coach growth readiness to flight schools, when the security of the demand for pilots for the next 10 years appears to lessen? With so much uncertainty in the aviation industry, many have consciously decided to stay in a ‘holding pattern’ for any growth plans because we’re afraid of what’s to come. I get it, I really do!
Let us look at athletes whether they’re in hockey, football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse or even baseball. Pick any sport that requires you to be agile, and ready in a rapidly changing atmosphere.
Successful players exercise these common practices:
- Stay on your toes. Do not be caught flat footed!
Be prepared to pivot in a different direction. Pivoting opens up to new opportunities and possibilities.
- Read the floor and anticipate the pass!
Always have an arsenal to handle the ‘what if’s’. Develop a ‘4th quarter’ crisis plan.
- There’s no ‘I’ in TEAM.
You can accomplish more by working together. Communicate effectively and efficiently with your team. Leverage each other’s strengths.
- Keep your eye on the goal.
The entire team needs know what the goal is, not only the starting lineup.
- Stay conditioned.
Know your SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). Find a work/life balance that provides opportunity to recharge and appreciate your successes.