One of the most significant
challenges facing the aviation industry is the impending shortage of certain
key aviation workforce positions. Industry-wide, the contemporary view is that we
are on the cusp of a shortage in pilots and maintenance technicians. This
factor is especially alarming considering the industry growth projected to take
place in the coming decades.
Aviation is highly dynamic and many
segments of the industry are a state of continual flux as they seek to generate
the revenue necessary not only to survive, but to achieve/maintain
profitability. The nature of the industry necessitates the development of
present and future employees who understand not only how the business side of a
company functions, but are flexible, decisive, skilled in change management,
excel in team building and have the ability to inspire those around them. In
short, future aviation industry team members must learn to be leaders.
I have served in various operations
and safety leadership positions in the airline industry for a number of years.
I was also an Assistant Professor of Aviation for six years, teaching and
mentoring future aviation industry members. In each of these positions, I interacted
regularly with executives, directors, managers, supervisors and front-line
personnel in a number of operating and administrative departments, as well as a
large number of college students. In doing so, I constantly observe behaviors,
interactions, group dynamics, interpersonal skills, subject matter acumen, etc.
Almost with exception, those who are the most successful and garner respect are
those who consistently demonstrate strong, effective leadership
characteristics, even if they do not serve
in an official leadership capacity by job title.
Many collegiate aviation students
and even many people that have been in the aviation industry for quite some
time have never really been taught fundamental leadership skills. The point
here is that ours is an ever-changing industry that demands adaptability and an
increasing focus on team building. Thus, future aviation members should actively
pursue effective leadership skill training and other opportunities to learn
what it means to be a true leader.
