Bill Bestic Ex NZ S.A.S Soldier, Current Anaesthetist and Commercial Helicopter Pilot on Leadership (Part 2)
Mar 20, 2022
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Guest Bill Bestic, Former NZ SAS soldier, anaesthetist, and commercial helicopter pilot, discusses the impact of effective leadership in 1% environments and the challenges of teaching individuals with diverse learning styles. The importance of prioritizing tasks over individual preferences and the role of humor in crisis situations are also explored. The chapter emphasizes the significance of intentional capacity, situational awareness, and structured learning. Additionally, stress management, effective communication, and non-technical skills in various industries are discussed.
Good leaders recognize and support individuals' different learning paces and preferences, fostering a growth mindset and effective learning environment.
Transitioning from military to civilian life requires adapting leadership styles and avoiding flawed assumptions.
Effective communication, adapting to specific situations, is crucial for leaders in crisis scenarios, influencing team performance and outcomes.
Deep dives
Importance of Balancing Teaching with Mixed Groups
Balancing teaching with mixed groups, consisting of individuals who have different learning paces and preferences, can be a challenge. Some people prefer to have a go and learn from their mistakes, while others are afraid of making errors and looking bad. Good leaders recognize these differences and allow individuals to proceed at their own pace, while still providing guidance and support. They understand that high-performing individuals may need the freedom to explore and learn from their errors, rather than strictly adhering to a step-by-step approach. By adapting teaching styles to suit the needs of different groups, leaders can foster a growth mindset and create a balanced and effective learning environment.
Evolution of Leadership Styles after Military Service
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can bring about changes in leadership styles. In the military, leadership is often focused on the command and control approach, whereas civilian environments require more flexibility and adaptability. Former military leaders may struggle initially, as assumptions made in the military context might not be applicable in civilian situations. Understanding the need for a different style of leadership and avoiding flawed assumptions is crucial. Leadership skills need to evolve to cater to the specific demands and dynamics of civilian settings, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth, adaptability, and understanding the context of each situation.
Effective Communication in Crisis Situations
In crisis situations, effective communication becomes crucial for leaders. When faced with urgent and high-stakes scenarios, leaders must learn to interpret the team environment, determine their role, and communicate their intentions clearly. By explicitly conveying their plans, encouraging feedback, and being open to collaboration, leaders can reduce conflict, build trust, and guide the team towards desired outcomes. Leaders should be able to adapt their communication style based on the specific situation, explicitly addressing the urgency, providing reassurance, and creating an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Effective communication in crisis situations can greatly influence team performance and outcomes.
Challenging Traditional Assumptions in Leadership
Leadership in different industries and organizations often operates on traditional assumptions, such as assuming technical competence automatically translates to good leadership. However, leadership skills should not be taken for granted based solely on technical expertise. Many professions, including medicine and aviation, need to recognize the importance of developing leadership skills alongside technical skills. Assumptions and stereotypes can hinder growth and performance, so it's crucial to evaluate one's own behavior, acknowledge biases, and invest in improving leadership abilities. By challenging traditional assumptions, embracing a growth mindset, and being open to continuous learning, individuals can become more effective leaders.
The Significance of Cognitive Bandwidth and Situational Awareness
Cognitive bandwidth, or attentional capacity, plays a vital role in effective leadership. Being cognitively overloaded can lead to reduced situational awareness and hinder decision-making capabilities. Recognizing the importance of maintaining cognitive bandwidth, leaders need to find ways to offload cognitive tasks and manage stress levels. Strategies like delegation, utilizing technology, or seeking support can help create the necessary headspace to make well-informed decisions in critical situations. By being mindful of cognitive bandwidth and situational awareness, leaders can improve their performance, engage in effective decision-making, and foster a positive and productive team environment.
Bill is a former soldier in the NZ SAS and currently is an Anaesthetist at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney and is a recently qualified commercial helicopter pilot.
I would recommend listening to Part 1 as it will provide some context to this half of the conversation
