1+1=
Lt Col Tony T. Kern, X-3230 (KernTT.DFH.USAFA_at_usafa.af.mil)
Mon, 7 Dec 98 10:56:59 MST
Colleagues
Once again I see us getting drawn into artificial divisions, complete
with rhetorical innuendoes like "touchy-feely" vs "skill-based" without
carefully defining our terms. The subject John brought up is too
important for this. (. . . having made his soapbox statement to those ten
times more qualified than himself - Tony continues)
I have done some minor anecdotal study of what I believe John is
talking about with the anti-synergy equation, 1+1=<1 and I "feel" that
there are times when SOPs cannot identify the problem, especially if it
deals with what someone doesn't offer (omission) as opposed to a true
"mistake." I have referred to this phenomena as the "Evil Twin" of
teamwork - where one EXPECTS certain competencies and inputs, but
does not get it. This throws the decision maker a real curve ball
because it goes beyond mere surprise, and borders on deception. This
is especially true when flying with someone you are familiar with who
has been predictable and competent in the past.
The interpersonal "skills" that are required to identify this
"non-communication" or lack of input to the decision model are probably
not included in a purely skill-based CRM model. Likewise, CRM
programs that stress group dynamics and teambilding without SOPs and
operational skills are also inadequate for many scenarios. As in all
things, the a blend of competencies are most likely required. These
competencies will likely differ from organization to organization,
operation to operation, and mission to mission. What is appropriate for
a major airline will likely differ from a National Guard fighter squadron.
Since we are not Nostradamus, the best we can do is to guess at what
the most likely scenarios will be and prepare our aviators for them. The
argument of skill-based vs. "something else" could well be a Red
Herring that keeps us from looking close enough at our own
environments to make that educated guess as to the appropriate mix of
the two. (The Colonel returns to his real job.)
Tony