Dealing with and leading change is possibly one of the most challenging tasks a leader faces.  The leadership of change is made difficult because organizations have developed a culture to eliminate variation; to standardize processes— to resist the forces of change that tend to disrupt processes and create new and different ones.  If history of change is the judge, most organizations fail to change when they should, and those who do try, most also fail [...]

The transformation of airports into cultural centers is already clearly underway.  Diverse shopping, dining, and retail options are just a few unique experiences airports offer to their passengers.  Most recently, Los Angeles International Airport announced that passengers will no longer need to leave the airport to experience regional flavors as HMS Host will open nine locally-inspired restaurants in the airport, and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport announced the opening of a local microbrewery.  Technology within [...]

Dr. Daryl Watkins and I recently spent a few days in Mumbai, India with executives from the Indian Aviation community. Various airlines, airports and other related entities were represented in a seminar where we spent three days discussing the Indian aviation environment and ways of understanding the many environmental as well as internal forces these people are dealing with as the Indian aviation industry grows. One must understand that up until a few years ago, [...]

From the title and the timing of this column, you may have thought this column will be about the presidential election, state of the economy, or some other rant about our country’s future. But it’s not – I’ve learned long ago not to discuss politics with colleagues, friends, or even enemies! But in a way I am talking about our country’s future, because if we don’t think long-term within our organizations, we won’t have well-functioning, [...]

You often hear of new ideas firms use to help their firms succeed and fulfill the vision of leadership such as the CEO.  Successful leaders often are willing to take risks, think outside of the box, and try new ideas as they develop organizational strategies, implement those strategies and create the firms culture.  I recently heard a story about Zappos and how they offer to pay employees to leave the firm.  After a quick internet [...]

When I was a kid, my family faithfully watched the sitcom The Jeffersons.  The show (which spawned from All in the Family) explored much of what was happening culturally at the intersection of race relations in the United States.  We loved to watch the antics of the crazy character, George Jefferson, played by actor Sherman Hemsley. On July 24, 2012, Hemsley died of complications related to lung cancer. His death brought back a flood of [...]

“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 [...]

Do you manage people? If so, do you give regular performance feedback to your employees?  Performance reviews are fundamental to good leadership and organizational improvement. If your employees receive feedback now, they will have time to make use of it and improve their performance.  If, on the other hand, they find out in December that you think they need to improve upon something, they won’t have the chance for development and improvement. Communicate with your [...]

Many people comment on the lack of leadership abilities in most managers, complaining that many managers do not set good examples, do not empower employees to play a role in decision-making, do not listen to those that work for them, and do not give their employees credit when credit is due. I searched for some statistics to determine how typical this experience is. Do most employees think their managers are less than effective? As I [...]

My wife, Liz, is a pilot for Southwest Airlines, and I jokingly tell my friends that although I do not fly actively today, I live vicariously through her, and her career at SWA. However, my own relationship with her employer dates back to 1995 when I was also hired by Southwest. Fresh out of the Air Force, I followed my friends to the place where ex-fighter pilots went to fly commercial airliners and tell stories [...]