Being Pro is More Than Getting Paid
“We never question the decisions of our pilots…they are professionals!”
This was the standard response from the Chief Pilot in an operation we worked with many years ago. There was a clear pattern of turning down air medical flight requests late in the evening when this pilot would rather be sleeping than flying in the cold and dark of night. Almost every time, the transport was still completed but it was from a nearby base and sometimes even involved flying right past the original base to and from the scene. That comment implied that professionals don’t need to justify or even be able to document their decisions.
A true professional will gladly explain the factors they considered to reach a conclusion and can explain and document their thought process. Additionally, when faced with someone asking these questions, a professional does not get defensive but instead takes it as an opportunity to politely educate others around them.
More than just being paid, professionalism is demonstrated through a combination of responsibility, competence, and an undeniable commitment to safety. Amateurism is demonstrated by cutting corners while being unjustifiably defensive about your decisions.
Let's briefly explore some characteristics that set these two paths apart.
Responsibility: Excellence in Action
In high consequence industries like aviation or emergency medicine, professionals carry the weight of more than just the aircraft or their patients; they bear the responsibility of other’s lives and the industry's reputation. Unlike amateurs, professionals understand that their decisions have far-reaching consequences. Every action or inaction can reflect a commitment to the safety and well-being of the team.
Sometimes doing your job isn’t enough. Just because your organization meets the minimum standards for compliance, that doesn’t mean you need to stop there.
Photo Credit: Carl Heyerdahl via Unsplash
Competence: Mastery Takes Flight
Amateurs may grasp the basics of their trade, but professionals strive for mastery. From in-depth knowledge of their craft to a resilient approach to abnormal procedures, professionals continuously hone their skills. They recognize that competence is never static; it's a continuous journey of learning, training, and adapting to advancements in technology and industry best practices.
Safety: Non-Negotiable
Safety is inseparable from high consequence organizations, and professionals treat it as a non-negotiable priority. Their commitment to meticulous planning, adherence to regulations, and proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks is unwavering. They don’t let convenience or expediency cloud their judgment.
Continuous Learning: Beyond Simple Qualifications
While certifications and ratings may be required, they are often the minimum standard, much like just meeting regulatory requirements. True professionals recognize that learning is a lifelong journey. They actively seek opportunities for professional development, staying informed about industry advancements and are never satisfied that they know enough. Professionals understand that each achievement is a steppingstone to a higher level of expertise.
What Next: Embracing Challenges, Advancing Excellence
Beyond responsibility, competence, safety, and continuous learning, professionals embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. They are marked by a commitment to pushing boundaries and evolving with the ever-changing landscape of their field of expertise.
Go Deeper:
If You Want to Lead, Master This Skill by Dina Denham Smith on Harvard Business Review, June 2021
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At VyClimb, part of our mission is to lead the aviation industry and the companies it serves to an elevated level of operational excellence to create greater stakeholder confidence. For more information or to discuss ways we may be able to help you please contact info@vyclimb.com.
