It’s always a bumpy landing in Denver…
Between the altitude, the wind, and the thunderstorms, it seems like every time I land in Denver, “smooth” is not the descriptor I would use.
But this landing was different. As we were on final approach, I experienced a type of turbulence I had never experienced before on a flight. It felt like a giant hand grabbed the plane and twisted turned it at the same time. It was like a really unsettling traveling carnival ride experience.
It only last about 10 seconds (10 seconds too long) and needless to say it got the attention of every passenger.
We landed safely and I happened to walk off the jetway at the same time as one of the pilots. I asked him what happened and he said we experienced an intense version of “wake turbulence.”
It’s when a pilot flies through the tornado-like turbulence that spins off the wing from a plane in front as both planes are lining up for a landing.
As he described it, I couldn’t help but think of this in a workplace context. The challenges of navigating the twists and turns of leaders and teams that are spinning off vortices of turbulence, unaware of how it’s affecting those who follow them.
We, like the pilots of my plane on that flight, sometimes have to deal with the chaos generated by those types of external forces.
It then made me self reflect:
- What type of wake am I generating that may be negatively affecting those in my path?
- Are there tornados of turbulence that I’m unknowingly creating that I need to address?
- What can I do today to ensure safe passage and soft landings for others?
Here’s to safe travels for you and those you lead.
Global Employer Brand | Paid Media Strategist | Account Manager
1moBIRDIE!!! I'd expect nothing but a Lions jersey!! Danielle Matela