Ray Werndly, Leadership and BoLA

We can have the best decision-making preparation available with multiple opportunities to embed the learning.?But what happens when we are under the deepest pressure??Do we stay true to our learning?

And what can we learn about the behaviours of pilots in training that would help us in our roles as leaders of business and as parents??Could there possibly be a connection?

These were among the questions put to Ray Werndly—a military pilot with 33 years’ flying experience, including 21 years as an educator.?Ray led a conversation for Band of Leaders Australia (BoLA) members and guests entitled High Pressure Decision Making and Self-Awareness at Casa Nostra Caffe in Osborne Park on Friday 24 March.

BoLA is a peer membership group for business owners and chief executives.?We seek to take our members beyond achievement to success—the essence of leadership.?Inviting Guest Conversations is a key activity in our monthly group meeting.

In the days before the session, members had been briefed and sought their own information on Ray’s career history with the RAAF and through working as an educator for commercial airlines, as well as being an aerobatic display pilot and a commentator with the Red Bull Air Race.?

Ray arrived at morning tea and segued into a 110min conversation with members—speaking from his personal experience and observations.?

In response to the opening question “What have been your learnings in working with trainee pilots under extreme pressure?”, Ray said that a pilot’s ability to accept uncertainty was key.?While aiming for a goal, it was necessary to take into account that some factors could not be determined and the possibility of failure was real.?

Those trainees who could deal with uncertainty and who saw error as a learning opportunity rather than a personal flaw, were well-placed to succeed.?Trainee pilots took consolation from the senior officer who could admit to their mistakes and could work with trainees on recovery strategies.

Ray said that being in the here and now was a vital thinking tool for people under pressure. He said:

“We need to realise that our fears come from the past and the future.”

In response to another question, Ray said that the original Top Gun movie starring Tom Cruise was credited with drawing a 300% increase in recruitment inquiries.?The RAAF was then challenged to choose the candidates who were able to demonstrate a genuine desire and aptitude for the work of a pilot and to not gloat about the image—separating ability and ego.?Ray said it would be interesting to measure the effects of the recent Top Gun sequel on coming recruitment numbers.

Ray is based at RAAF Base Pearce, formerly as a Category A and now as a Category B Flight Instructor.?He is highly experienced in flying CT4, Macchi, Hercules, PC9 and PC21 aircraft and has flown the F/A-18.?

With 21 years as a flying instructor, Ray is the most experienced instructor ever to serve with the Air Force.?During this time he has trained and observed over 1200 pilots pass through a high stress environment.

This exposure has given him significant insights into human behaviour and decision-making under pressure. Ray has identified common factors that allow him to develop simple methods to resolve stress to get the best from himself and others.

He maintains that each individual already has the innate power and the requisite knowledge to reach their goals and the realisation of this capacity can come quickly via introspection, shock and also through failure.

BoLA members will meet next as a group on Friday 28 April.

Typically, our agenda includes a Guest Conversation such as Ray’s, processing of strategic opportunities raised within the group and leadership development tools and activities.?In that Guest Conversation, we will hear from CEO of Covalent Lithium, Ryan Hiar, on the topic of Making it Grow.?Prospective members and referrers are welcome, on request.?

In the meantime, each member will have a monthly coaching session with their BoLA Chair, Jeff.

Paul Manning is continuing to build his BoLA#2 group.?If you are interested in membership or referral, give Jeff or Paul a call, we would love to see you there.

Next week:?Pace Yourself

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About the Author

Jeff Bell?is Principal of executive consultancy ResultsWise in Perth, Western Australia.?To boost your leadership, ask Jeff about consulting, coaching, strategy facilitation, Band of Leaders Australia (BoLA) [email protected] or Advanced Leadership Course [email protected]. Mobile (61) 439 988 662.