Every flight program, fire station and ambulance service has at least one.
A guy who knows the answer to every question no matter how difficult or trite.
A gal who can flawlessly operate a piece of equipment only used once every two years.
The person everyone considers expert or mac-daddy. The person everyone asks when the boss has no idea. A rock star we all idolize.
So how do you become a rock star?
First, realize there’s more to it than luck or happenstance.
Stardom is earned.
Are you ready to rock?
Step one of your apprenticeship is observation.
Watch the rock stars in your local network. Be sure to watch how they do things, not just what they do.
Your subconscious observes more than you realize.
You probably already know rock stars are not always the smartest, or the boss, or most popular, or friendliest, or longest with the company. Sure, every now and then one of these traits pops up, but just as often you find none.
So what is it about rock stars that makes them rock? And what can we mortals do to be more like them?
You can learn a lot through observation. FSN studied a lot of rock stars (some ungrateful ones actually call us groupies and stalkers….but, what-ever!). We still know the deal and we’re more than happy to share with our readers.
Here is the Flight Safety Network Rock Star checklist:
Know thyself
Know your own strengths, weaknesses and limitations.
If you’re being completely honest with yourself, you already know what you’re good at and what you need to work on. Spend some time working on your known weaknesses. If you suck at programming the GPS, practice. If you need to beef up your rapid sequence intubation skills, spend a day in the emergency room doing it.
Rock stars get results. When they need to practice, they practice. When they need help, they ask for it.
Know your music (job)
This seems a no-brainer, but it really is not. Do you really know what is expected of you in every situation? Or do you make excuses for yourself by playing the “every situation is different” card? Sure, variables change all the time in Emergency Medical Services. But the basics never change.
Rock stars do the basics exceptionally well.
For the next 21 days, spend half an hour a day reviewing the basics of your Flight Safety Network career. You’ll develop a positive habit transfer and probably be pleasantly surprised how much smoother your next case goes.
Know the band
Rock stars realize they’re only one “concert,” or case, call or flight from humility.
It doesn’t take much to fall from stardom. You know who makes you shine? You guessed it. The band. The people you work with every day in your local Flight Safety Network. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses is key.
Rock stars realize everyone reacts differently to stress. Knowing your band before a crisis situation is vital. Remember, the life you save can sometimes be your own.
Share with a groupie
Rock stars share. Rock stars know their success is intrinsically tied to the success of others.
Did you ever work with a person who gets a piece of information and does everything they can to keep it to themselves? As if in some way they are more powerful knowing something you and others do not know? This is exactly the opposite of how rock stars perform.
Rock stars are confident and secure sharing their success. They figured out a long time ago – the more they give, the more they get.
Do you know someone on the fringe of stardom? Take a moment and share this article with them. It might be just what they need to step up their game.
Clear skies and tailwinds,
Fly-write
1 Response to "How to be a Flight Safety Network Rock Star"
I am a medic and would love to join your crew, but I live in south Africa.