Train driver or fighter pilot?
Which of these most represents your CEO, or any of your business leaders for that matter?
Train drivers have a clear understanding on where they need to get to (vision)and a very well defined path to get there (strategy).
The vision for the fighter pilot changes on a regular basis eg. escorting an unauthorised plane out of US airspace, defending a fleet of frigates or performing a flyby for a village fete.
The strategy of the train driver is considerably less likely to change once the journey starts, whereas the fighter pilot will change strategy based on what shows up on her dashboard. A surface to air missile cannot be put on the agenda for the next monthly board meeting.
Thus fighter pilots have to respond in real-time. Decisions are made based on how much you know about the environment in which you operate. Situation awareness is key. Very little stock is placed on historical data. The fighter pilot’s tools need to be present / forward looking.
In a volatile market, Top Gun will always outperform the Fat Controller.
So who does your leadership team most resemble?
