Originally Posted by
Hotel Kilo
Our uppper management in flight operations would disagree in totality with this statement. Captains are very much at the forefront and are indeed, "front line leaders", in all aspects of the operation. Sometimes being a leader means your make decisions that some people don't like. Take the gate agent example here. The person in command is the Captain, solely without question. that extends to beyond the foot print of the aircraft.
there are many ways that management asks us to lead. there are even more ways to actually lead. one of those ways is to be someone’s commanding officer. we are not the gate agents’ commanding officer nor do we “out rank” them, because—again—this isn’t the military anymore.
Mostly agree with you here. It's really not that hard and doesn't require you to be a richard about it either. My "technique"... When I get to the gate, and introduce myself to the gate agent for the trip and check in with them, I start with usual pleasantires "how's it going this evening, have you been busy? Fine day we're having today, at least we don't have to de-ice, etc. etc.". After they give me the litany on the load and pax counts, specials, pay load opt info (if applicable) my next question is always; "How many non-revs and how does it look getting them on the flight". By asking this simple question, it let's the GA know I am looking at it, and it's something I care about. I would do the same for JSers too, but I fly int'l so mostly we are just dealing with non-revs.
I've found this works out pretty well. Many times the GA when they come down to ask us if we've signed off etc like to add "Hey Cap, I got all the on-revs on for you". I smile and say "thank you very much for helping us out".
As you say OOfff, it's not hard, you just have to find a way that works without being a richard.
yep. treat your coworkers like humans and not subordinates. works better in almost every situation.