Grit for Others
As a work in progress, focusing on the components below have helped me stay “on glide slope” or get back “on course,” effectively helping to close the gap after a deviation. I hope this is “good gouge” that will assist you in your personal progression to chasing mastery:
Operate from a position of integrity with grit for others
Integrity: a learned set of beliefs, capacities, attitudes, and skills that create a moral compass we use to know what is right.
Grit: courage and strength of character to act on what we know is right.
Components of OPI with grit:
Expertise/wisdom: Strive to know the game inside and out so we can play it well. Do the work to gain and maintain the knowledge necessary to be an exceptional pilot and operator. Train each other and hold each other accountable for doing the tedious, inglorious, study necessary to stay sharp on critical perishable knowledge. A true professional knows that small effort daily adds up. Do something every day to earn your wings.
Curiosity/initiative: Pay attention to what is working and what needs work. Proactively recognize gaps in our personal, unit, and community proficiency and knowledge. Then, do the work and research to fill these gaps and find the appropriate way to share this information to increase our collective capability.
Discipline/mettle: Know and appreciate the “WHY.” Constantly seek to balance short-term readiness and long-term readiness. Be acutely aware of the “NOT WHYS” and resolve to avoid the comfortable, easy, shallow approach. Only operate outside of policy and procedure when deviation is warranted and re-adhere to doctrine as soon as feasible.
Just/honor: Succeed or learn. If everything is going flawlessly, we are stagnant. Shine a light on events that don’t go well. Malicious intent is not accepted. Virtuous intent with a suboptimal outcome must result in frank/transparent reflection and continuous process improvement for individuals, the team, and organization.
Passion/joy: Performing a dynamic and challenging task at a high level is enjoyable and rewarding. Embrace and celebrate the work. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
Gratitude: We have a great occupation/vocation. Sincerely appreciate your good fortune. Remember those that operated from a position of integrity before us. Appreciate their efforts and be a worthy torch bearer.
For others: The measure of a truly successful operator should not be individual accomplishment. Success should be measured by the effort, attitude, and proficiency of the operators who are “next up.” Prioritize others’ successes above your own.