Trivial Things That Impact Your Career
I love the aviation industry because of the people who are in it. Generally, I find that people in the aviation industry are personable, honest, intelligent and simply nice to be around. That is the main reason I have been in the industry for more than 37 years. I also have a personal passion to improve the aviation technician’s image and perception.
I decided to share this article with all of you because of one reason: I want to help people. If I can make someone’s personal life and/or job better, that will be very satisfying for me. However, let me make a statement before I begin: If you do not agree with me, it is perfectly fine — you will not hurt my feelings. All I would like you to do is use my recommendations to improve yourself if you want. Please make good decisions for yourself.
We do not have to do big things in order to make positive impacts on our careers. All it takes are small things enhance our careers tremendously. At the same time, our careers can be suppressed if we do not perform some trivial actions.
Maintenance Technicians’ Poor Image
The maintenance technicians’ image has improved over the years. I find the technicians’ image is better in the business aviation industry than in the general aviation, airlines or military industries. Obviously, corporate companies mandate much higher standards from their flight department personnel. However, we are not completely there yet. I’m still hearing complaints from fellow technicians that they are not getting the respect they feel they deserve and that they are being treated like second-class citizens. When I ask them, “Who is causing this?” the technicians’ typical answer is, “We are.” When I hear that answer, I always ask another question: “If we know we are causing it and we don’t like it, why don’t we do something about it?”
Change is hard for everyone. Aviation maintenance technicians were considered to be blue-collar workers in the past. I see it differently. We have important responsibilities, such as the safety of the crew and passengers, management of programs and personnel, and responsibilities for finance and budgets along with many other important tasks. We are not mechanics. We are technicians who are highly-skilled professionals. It is time to change our own perception. We need to start looking like professionals, dressing like professionals, talking like professionals and acting like professionals.
Make small changes such as wearing better uniforms, grooming yourself every day, being clean cut and talking like a professional (not using foul language). Remember, people are always making judgments about us before we even speak. We have less than three seconds to make a good impression.
Dress for Success
You are what you wear. People are watching you and they will notice small things. Invest in the type of wardrobe that will make you look great. I have made many recommendations to technicians who have big goals. My statement is: “If you want to be in executive management someday, you need to dress for it today.” Always look sharp anywhere you go.
You do not have to spend a great deal of money or time to do this. Do the small things such as iron your shirts, polish your shoes, wear matching color belt and shoes, and button your shirt so we don’t have to look at your chest hair. Pay attention to small things when you are getting dressed.
When you are exposed to people, you are not only representing yourself but you are also representing your company. We have an obligation to our company to represent our employer in a professional manner.
Returning Phone Calls and E-mails
Most people do not realize how important it is to return your phone calls and e-mails promptly. There are too many people who simply ignore returning phone calls and e-mails, especially from sales people. I return every phone call and e-mail. I simply call them and tell them we do not need their services and end with a thank you. It does not take much time to do this and it is simply being considerate and professional. Remember, when we treat people without respect, they will not forget the experience. They could become your boss or your customer someday. If you ignored someone years ago, it could affect your career today.
Poor Etiquette and Manners
Americans are losing the traditional use of etiquette and manners. Don’t worry — the rest of the world is as well. It is disappointing. Etiquette and manners are all about showing our respect to others. Saying that nobody taught us how is a bad excuse. It is time for us to learn etiquette and manners by asking, reading and even studying.
A simple thing such as a “thank you” goes a long way. Let’s bring back small things such as opening the door for someone, asking about the others’ interests instead of talking about ourselves, giving a card with a hand-written note and learning dining etiquette.
Improve Your Interpersonal Skills
The aviation maintenance industry is no longer just about technical skills. Interpersonal, leadership and management skills are just as important, if not more important, than technical skills today. People with great interpersonal skills will become successful in their careers. It is perfectly fine if your life goal is to be a technician the rest of your life and not advance to management. However, you still need to get along with people and you still have to be a good team member. If you cannot get along with people, you cannot be successful even as a technician. Interpersonal skills apply to everyone.
Conclusion
As I stated before, change is hard. I’m not recommending you change everything in an instant, but make small changes every day. Set small goals and accomplish them one at a time. If you are dedicated to change, eventually the changes you made become routine and a part of you. This will make you a better person.
Everyone can become successful:
• Be prepared to make a commitment to improve yourself
• Enhance your interpersonal skills
• Become a great leader or manager toward everyone around you so you can make a positive impact on others
It’s the small things that are important.
JD McHenry is the president/CEO of Global Jet Services. He has been involved in numerous aviation maintenance and flight operation programs for more than 37 years. McHenry holds A&P, IA and pilot licenses and earned a doctorate degree in business management. Global Jet Services is the leader in on-site maintenance training, providing high quality, flexibility and cost effectiveness. The maintenance customers are its #1 priority. Both JD’s and Global Jet Services goal is to lead the way in aviation maintenance training standards.