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Aug
23
2021
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Posted 3 years 121 days ago ago by Admin
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Adversity—we can try to run from it, but it is in adversity that we find growth and ultimately, we find excellence. Leadership Coach Les Brown says that there is greatness inside us all. I believe that is true, but I also believe that greatness is revealed through the pain and suffering of adversity.
As professional aircraft mechanics, we learn our craft over years of enduring adversity. Working in the heat, freezing cold, and rain are just part of the daily routine. We spend many days climbing and standing on ladders and crawling in access holes to spend hours working in tight spaces. We sometimes go from the wash rack to a conference room in an effort to keep the crew informed and up to date. But at the end of the day, we, as mechanics, are paid to make decisions—and to make the right decisions. Is it a go or no go? The wrong decision can and will cost dollars, lives, or both. A part of making correct decisions is using a special set of tools that, in this series, I have called essential tools. Essential tools are time tested and will not fail because they have been forged in the fire of adversity.
The essential tools we discussed in this series are just the beginning, and as we gain experience and wisdom the list of tools will expand. These tools are designed to help us become successful mechanics and people of value. Let us review this list once more as a reminder.
The first tool was the tool of Integrity: always do the right thing no matter the cost. This is the foundation of everything we will ever do. Next, the tool of Commitment: the driver for decisions that lead to action. Next, is the tool of Communication: the sharing of information and the builder of relationships. Next, the tool of Customer Service is the game changer. Simply put, it’s caring for others first. Finally, the tool of Personal and Professional Growth: sacrifice plus discipline equals growth.
I believe it is imperative that those of us who have been longer on the job mentor those that follow us. We must help to ensure that they have the skills needed not only to make mechanical repairs but to also to make safe and sound decisions.
The great coach Vince Lombardi said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” The ownership and operation of the essential tools come at a cost but have a priceless value.
Our goal should always be excellence. Excellence does not come by accident, but is the result of making a conscious, deliberate decision to use the essential tools. This reminds me of a quote from Aristotle:
“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”
Choose Excellence and commit to leaving the world of aviation better than you found it.
About the Author: Mark dedicated the majority of his career serving the helicopter EMS community from Base Mechanic to Director of Maintenance. As Vice President & General Manager of Precision Aircraft Services, Mark now serves helicopter operators from many sectors to include Air Ambulance, Law Enforcement, Private Owners, etc. When not at work, Mark can be found spending time with his family or sitting in a tree stand.