Re: Airmanship Redefined...
CharlieRU_at_aol.com
Mon, 14 Jul 1997 15:47:20 -0400 (EDT)
Tony and Vince,
My two cents. In applied behavioral psychology we call it Shaping
Behavior. Simpy put, the subject receives reinforcement (good stuff) for
successive approximations to the terminal (goal) behavior. Few human
behaviors are total and complete upon first trys. We must learn behaviors.
The problem comes in because we are unclear of the terminal behavior (final
outcome) the goals. And it is compounded because we observe and learn
from others who serve as models. CRM is now at that edge of defining the
goals (performance markers) but has not yet decided how to get there. The
older systems don't work, do what you see others do, but they still influence
performance because the terminal goal setter (other crew members) have
absolute control over the reinforcers (acceptance, approval and social
companionship), not the CEO nor the chief pilot. Heck, they are non
players.
It may be that the primary goal of the crew member is to "get along" for a
few hours or days with someone you have never met and perform a complex
task and go home safely. Managers must determine the Performance Skills not
the other crew member. How often does it occur that a crew member redefines
the flight manual or the company procedures to better fit their own
interpretation or agenda. While the other crew members watch and listen
in amazement that gravity has been redefined, but It's the CAPTAIN. And in
a real sense, the captain does set the immediate goals and should. It is that
those goals should be consistent with flight team management skills.
Charlie Russell
DUAL Incorporated