Chris Smith

Sep 22, 2024 | theceomagazine.com | Chris Smith

I have learned countless invaluable lessons through four decades of aviation experience and 22,000 hours of flying experience, which have included training and building teams daily for both regular and emergency operations, internationally and domestically. Here are six lessons I believe can be transferred over to the business world that will help propel leaders to become highly effective.

Sep 22, 2024 | ceoworld.biz | Chris Smith

If we learn to hold better ‘normal’ conversations then we’re less likely to have to hold the ‘difficult’ ones. The First Officer came up to me, coffee in hand, and one for me. Unexpected. Very generous. That’s him. We were about to depart on our 9 hour international flight, 300 passengers and crew on board, all trusting us. I didn’t know him well, but enough to regard him as a very amiable, professional colleague.

Aug 26, 2024 | ceoworld.biz | Chris Smith

In the flight deck, on our worst days when, without notice, the normal becomes an emergency, the most valuable resource is our team. We need them, their knowledge and skills, and all the input they can provide, willingly. This is the key to success, and safe operations. It’s not just beneficial. It’s essential. So how can we do this? It takes more than procedures, manuals and policies. Humans are not machines.

Aug 14, 2024 | hrleader.com.au | Chris Smith |Jerome Doraisamy

The idea that engagement programs appeal to human traits is a red herring. Such a mindset misunderstands what people really want, writes Chris Smith. There’s nothing like working with thousands – thousands – of people closely, in places around the country and the world, to gain a real insight into what works with people, what truly makes them tick, how to facilitate them being their very best and performing at their peak, when you really need it. This is absolute engagement.

Aug 7, 2024 | thehrdirector.com | Chris Smith

It’s a well-worn path – and therefore predictable. If it’s predictable, and some of it not good, then why do so many organisations go down this road, again and again? Like so many things, it’s often not until it’s spelt out that it becomes obvious. What road are we travelling? The ‘staff engagement road’. Unfortunately, so often we end up without it – genuine engagement, that is. Why? Let’s find out. It’s so exhilarating, intoxicating, euphoric, the beginning of a relationship.