The CAAL Vision: Prepared Leaders for Tomorrow’s World

An article by Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Robert E. Mansfield, Jr.     Comments Off

“Why the specific focus on aviation and aerospace leadership?”  Behind this often asked question lurks (or seems to) a notion the leadership is, well, simply leadership.  So why emphasize aviation and aerospace leadership when some suggest the practice of leadership is essentially the same for all disciplines/professions?

These are really good questions, and are at the heart of our Center for Aviation and Aerospace Leadership (CAAL).   The response is somewhat complex (multi-part).  First, being a human activity, the context, culture, organizational setting in which leadership is practiced has some very unique characteristics.  Aerospace Leadership, like other leadership activities is done with a purpose in mind—flight in air and space, piloted on-board or remotely; with or without human cargo for instance.

Second the profession of the aviation and aerospace business is subject to many national and international regulations and has an infrastructure designed, for the most part, for the sole purpose of flight and closely related activities.  Standards from governments and professional associations abound.

Third, and possibly the most significant, much of the work and activity of aviation and aerospace is done in a high risk environment.   Every time an air or space craft is prepared for flight, takes-off, flies, and lands, human life can be at risk.  So can millions of dollars.  Effective management from design to final use can impact the safety of people and products used throughout the industry must be practiced every day, every time.

Other than the practice of medicine, and manufacturing of medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals there are few other than aerospace that can have such a significant impact on lives and fortunes if poorly practiced.   Focused leadership is important.

Finally, aviation and aerospace are as high tech as one can get.  And the industry has potential for high growth, and innovation abounds.  Recent projections by Boeing and Airbus indicate that virtually every aircraft flying today will be replaced in 20 years—with an additional 50% added to the fleet.  Jobs in the industry are high paying.  That’s a lot of end products in the civil sector and the growth of unmanned aerial systems opens new opportunities.

Leadership can be a competitive advantage and a discriminator in a global market place that is in near constant change, pushed by growth and national interests.  We at CAAL believe that the complexity of aviation and aerospace, coupled with the speed of change can be better managed to achieve exceptional business performance by prepared leaders.

When we talk about leadership we don’t mean just individual leadership; that’s important.  But possibly as important is how teams and organizations lead.  Leadership is not always the practice of a single person.

Our mission and highest objective  at CAAL is to be the premier catalyst and knowledge source by identifying, understanding and distributing capabilities that make exceptional and effective leaders in aviation and aerospace.  We invite all interested to engage with us.