You’re Not Alone in the Cockpit or at the Office

As a flight student, I was introduced to Crew Resource Management (CRM) the discipline of using every available resource to fly the aircraft safely: co-pilot, wingman, air traffic control, checklists, even the person in the backseat (that was me).

In Naval Aviation, this wasn’t theory. On complex missions, there was too much happening for one set of eyes, one brain, or one perspective to catch it all. The best flights happened when we spoke up, backed each other up, and trusted each other to handle our piece of the mission.

It’s not just about flying.

In leadership and business, going it alone means you see less, react slower, and carry more risk. The strongest leaders create space for others to contribute their expertise, flag issues, and offer solutions. That’s not giving up control it’s expanding your control by widening your perspective.

Whether you’re in a cockpit, a meeting, or a crisis, remember: Use your crew. You don’t have to fly it alone.

As a coach, I help leaders identify and leverage their “crew” to make better decisions and stay ahead of challenges.

Who’s in your crew, and how are they helping you fly your mission?

Author in F/A-18D