Captain Chesley Sullenberger’s Leadership (US Airways Flight 1549)
On a daily basis, there are people, who exhibit great leadership; we may not know them or what they have achieved because they have not been visibly (publically) put to the test. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger actions on January 15, 2009 exemplify what is to lead during a crisis. Instead of panicking, Captain Sullenberger demonstrated amazing leadership qualities during an epoch of uncertainty. He sustains a calm and organized demeanor. Without hesitation, went right to work deciding the best course of action to save the lives of 155 people. I reference in a previous post whether a great leader characteristics are learned, or a natural talent. This story reminds you not to
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I think it would be quicker to inventory the things he may have done amiss. Astonishing, Exceptional and Miraculous are three words that describe Sullenberger self-confidence under such difficult and dangerous conditions. Sullenberger was optimistic; he was quoted as saying “I can do this.” He knew the worst case scenario, the plane could hit the water and break into pieces. There was a singular formula that would render the ideal outcome, but it had to be achieved concurrently. Gliding into the water wings level, nose slightly up, at a minimal flying speed; under this extreme pressure Captain Sullenberger never second-guessed himself. The difference between a leader and those that lead is the capacity to communicate effectively and demonstrate extraordinary problem solving skills. He was quick to respond to protocol and access that he could not return LaGuardia Airport or land at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey safely, not to mention the aftermath if the landing was not successful to the people and building below. The alternative plan was an emergency landing in the Hudson
The role of a leader is often inaccurately defined as an individual who is in a position to give orders. However, there are enormous differences in the attributes of an outstanding leader, and one of mediocrity. An outstanding leader, above all else, is a role model for their peers. In doing so, a leader of the highest caliber is trustworthy in both their peer’s trust for the leader as well as the leader’s trust of their peers. A leader must also display exceptional skill in communication which transcends speaking and, more importantly, includes listening and consideration to the ideas presented to them. Furthermore, a leader must be supportive of and willing to help their peers build their own strengths. The attributes listed above represent only a small subset of what makes an outstanding leader. Yet,
One may wonder exactly what it is that qualities a strong leader possesses. A strong leader is determined, and strong willed. They must be of good judgment, and without bias. They cannot easily be persuaded, and they are firm, yet at the same time, a good lead must also empathize with his subordinates, and have the best interest at heart for said subordinates, at all times. However, with that being said, a good leader cannot be afraid to discipline his subordinates when necessary. Unmistakably, being a leader is a very difficult feat – one which not everyone can accomplish. A leader must be an authority, a friend and a counsellor, all at once. They must be responsible, and always take into account the disadvantages of a situation. Not everyone is suitable to be a leader, whereas, just about anybody can be a good role model.
Southwest airlines is one of the most widely respected companies among those profiled by Firms of Endearment. They are recognized for having one of the best corporate cultures, which is emphatically encouraged from the top down. Southwest’s model clearly exemplifies the concept of servant leadership, and we will elaborate on how this creates a firm of endearment.
There are a variety of ways to define both leader and leadership. There is not, however, a clear definition of how to become one. There is no set list of mandatory traits, either innate or learned, that a person must embody to be considered successful or proved a failure. What I feel it takes is the right mix of strengths and weaknesses in a given situation to demonstrate effectiveness. No one person has abilities without accompanying deficiencies. It’s all in the way they are balanced. The balance in the way one uses his or hers’ abilities will ultimately determine the type of leadership one has throughout time. To support these claims I will examine a well-known leader throughout the military, General James “Mad Dog” Mattis. This essay will provide some insight into both his strengths and weaknesses while discussing some personality traits he is said to possess.
To be a great leader there are many qualities you must have. The hard part is actually knowing what qualities you need, because their are different types of leaders. For example you might be a business leader. These leaders do everything they can to motivate their co-workers, make sure the business stays firm, and also are well prepared for any crises that may occur. Anne Mulcahy the CEO of Xerox surely didn’t know her business was going to undertake many financial barriers, but instead of letting it get her and filing for bankruptcy, she took full responsibility and lead the business towards success by reducing the company’s workforce and eliminating the entire desktop portion of Xeron. According to U.S. News &
Kouzes and Posner remark that leadership experiences are ?voyages of discovery and adventures of a lifetime?[and] they are challenging explorations under rigorous conditions? (174). While this may be true, it is often in an extreme crisis situation that leadership is ultimately tested. This is the circumstance that Shackleton faced with his crew of twenty-seven, while stranded in the ice floes off the Antarctic Continent. Credit is due to the leadership of Ernest Shackleton; every member aboard the Endurance survived, and was finally rescued after six hundred and thirty-four days. Shackleton said of leadership, ?If you?re a leader, a fellow that other fellows look to, you?ve got to keep going? (qtd. in Morrell and Capparell 215).
This report is on the Crossair flight 3597 crash which happens at Zurich airport on 24th November 2001. Analysis of Crossair flight 3597 will be covered, which includes details such as facts of Crossair flight 3597 crash, and the three contributing factors involved in the air accident. The three contributing factors are mainly Crossair, pilot error and communications with air traffic controllers.
Sullenberger was a modern pilot and built his knowledge on routines. Hundreds of thousands of hours had been spent in analyzing every possible eventuality, taking the risk factors away and mapping out what to do on the rare occasion when something does go wrong. On January 15, 2009, Chesley B. Sullenberger III was following his routine. He reported for work at LaGuardia Airport at the appointed hour. He reviewed the standard preflight data: weight and balance figures, the amount of fuel needed to get to Charlotte, North Carolina, etc.
Becoming a leader is never an easy task. It is complex with rational decision making and accepting responsibility for those decisions. Being the leader, does not mean that you always make the best choice, but it does mean you learn and grow from all you experiences. Sometimes becoming a leader is not a choice, but a responsibility that you inherit. Leaders are not born, but are created through trial and error. A true leader cares for his subordinate and will always respect, listen, and mentor them, but a true leader will also discipline correct subordinates when needed. Sometimes a leader needs to depend on his faith and look to a higher power, so that he can make choices with guidance.
Leadership can be defined in many ways, but one thing all leaders have in common is determination to get a task done. Although leaders may carry out this action in many different ways they all do what needs to be done in order to reach their goal. Florence Nightingale was willing to gather a group of women and pick up and leave her home to tend to the wounded soldiers of the Crimean War.
When we learn how to survive in this world, we not only learn basic life skills, but we also learn how to be leaders. Learning to be a leader is probably one of the most basic life skills we learn without realizing it. When we learn to be leaders, it can prepare us for experiences we never knew were possible. For example, growing up as leaders we can be: team captains, class officers, and club board members, and when we get to the workforce bosses, CEOs, vice presidents, presidents, and department chairmen. For example, in Lord of the Flies, Jack and Ralph fight over who has the best leadership to save the group.
Leaders is an effective tool for summarizing and inspiring leadership, not in that it teaches tough strategies and manipulations, but that when looking at an overview of its content, Bennis and Nanus are essentially teaching human relations and human decency. All in all, this book highlights strategies for us all to be better in our lives and our everyday interactions.
Great leadership is not achieved over night, and it is not something that one achieves and stops. Great leaders spend entire lives building and growing their leadership skills. It is not likely that a leader will one day wake up with all of the vision, influence, knowledge, respect, and momentum necessary to be great; these take time to develop. “It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from their followers.”
For many years, I have been told by teachers, family, and friends that I am a good leader. Until fairly recently, I had never truly thought about what it means to be a good leader and just took it as a compliment. Leadership is an intangible concept which cannot be properly outlined in a dictionary, but one which must be formed and explained only through one’s own philosophies and experiences.
Leadership is something that is heavily prevalent in the workforce and in the world today. Being a leader, in my opinion, takes someone (or a group of people) who is willing and able to lead a few or many people. Not every leader though is successful or leads in a positive way. There definitely exists both good and bad leadership. Many leaders fail while many achieve extraordinary milestones. But everyone, not just leaders, have their pitfalls and rough patches in life. I know that I myself have some weaknesses as a leader, and that is what I want to take some time to reflect on.