In a message dated 96-12-18 16:13:04 EST, you write:
<< I'm not sure I agree. Your concept of reversion to basic patterns
could have 2 meanings: a) That CRM is a facade, a veneer that will
not be apparent unless its user consciously, constantly reconstructs
the facade of behavior. Example, the oppressive Captain reverts to
type shortly after CRM refresher or when fatigued. b) The more
concrete, psychological observation that stronger, older brain motor
programs predominate over a new, replacement method - proactive
inhibition is the proper name. Example: The F-16 pilot waking up
from G Induced Loss of Consciousness grabbing for the center stick,
present in every other airplane. In the F-16, it's on the side...
The real value of CRM is, I believe, true, pervasive, long lasting,
resilient *behavior* change when interacting on a team, especially
when the team is under stress. Personality traits probably remain
the same, but are suppressed and only those desirable personality
behavioral characteristics are used in the CRM "convert". I'm not
sure this personal transformation has ever been proved, but it would
make an especially valuable, if elusive, metric ... Cheers, Geff
McC MD >>
I think you've got it, both the meanings you suggest are viable. CRM may be a
facade in some crew members. That is the reason that their buy-in to the
concepts and the program are so important. We need programs that, as you say,
result in "true, pervasive, long lasting, resilient *behavior* change". Like
you, I'm not sure this transition has ever been proved, but I have seen it in
aircrew actions in our training program. Crews who have been away from CRM
training for as much as a year use the CRM tools and techniques they have
learned in the program to deal with crisis situations. However, I have also
seen some not so good examples. "That is pretty good evidence that our
program is a long way from perfect. But it has its successes, and they are
observable.
Regards . . . Dave Wilson