Leading Outward

Is precision actually possible when people are involved?

Jun 10, 2025
Carey Jones, a former Flying Training Wing Vice Commander and retired fighter pilot, joins the conversation on leadership and precision. He shares insights on creating teams that act decisively without waiting for directives and the challenge of maintaining high performance in uncertain conditions. The discussion explores balancing clarity with ambiguity and the importance of effective feedback loops. Carey emphasizes the necessity of empowering teams to understand the 'why' behind their actions, ensuring alignment and adaptability in organizational strategies.
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ANECDOTE

Carey Jones Fighter Pilot Story

  • Carey Jones shares the intense experience of flying an F-15E fighter jet where split-second decisions mean life or death.
  • He illustrates the extreme physical and mental demands of flying with precision, likening it to a roller coaster with nine Gs of force.
INSIGHT

Clarity Reduces Subjectivity

  • Roles with slow feedback loops require clear perspectives and parameters to reduce subjectivity in decision-making.
  • Lack of clarity slows down processes and dilutes effectiveness, making leadership clarity crucial.
ADVICE

Seek Constant Feedback

  • Leaders should engage directly with their team and customers to gain absolute clarity and eliminate guessing.
  • Constantly gather feedback and validate assumptions to ensure the team’s efforts align with desired outcomes.
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