By
Professor Sigmon Von Oldham, PHD (Pilled Higher & Deeper)
By
World Airshow News, June/July 1997
A
review of the airshow community has reviled a preponderance of “Pre-Show
Mode” activity by some professional and volunteer airshow personnel.
With
the possible exception of Airshow Induced Divorce Syndrome (AIDS), Pre-Show Mode
activity is the leading cause of friction within an airshow organization and in
increased consumption of Attitude Adjustment Fluids during the days leading up
to an airshow.
Research,
conducted in a mirror, has proven Pre-Show Mode is a closed loop syndrome which
is manifested when highly motivated individuals with intense mission focus,
target fixation and goal orientation fail to recognize such concentration
results in reduced interpersonal skills, therefore degrading the attainment of
the very goals envisioned. Persons
in Pre-Show Mode are normally refereed to by their peers and subordinates as
Alpha Hotels.
Treatment
can require extensive counseling and, in extreme cases, the use of a cattle prod
has proven effective. In less severe
cases, the patient can simply acknowledge his pre-disposition to enter Pre-Show
Mode and make allowances for his Type A personality.
“I
think it is important for a boss to be frank about his temperament and work
habits so that people working for him have a chance to understand and adjust.
I warned the staff that when I am preoccupied, I can be short-tempered
over interruptions or questions. In
high-pressure situations, I tend to snap into a single-minded mode.
I become intense, focused,
oblivious of the world around me. On
those days, I might walk into the office without so much as a hello.
If my executive officer brought me some issue not immediately relevant, I
might growl and tell him to keep out of my way.
I advised the staff not to overreact to these mood swings.
Ride them out, and I would soon be back on an even keel.”
Colin Powell, My American Journey.
As
one who suffers from cattle prod level Pre-Show Mode syndrome, I have found
Colin Powell’s Rules to be effective:
1.
It
ain’t as bad as you think. It will
look better in the morning
2.
Get
mad, then get over it.
3.
Avoid
having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your
ego goes with it.
4.
It
can be done!
5.
Be
careful what you chose. You may get
it.
6.
Don’t
let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7.
You
can’t make someone else’s choices. You
shouldn’t let someone else make yours.
8.
Check
small things.
9.
Share
credit.
10.
Remain calm.
Be kind.
11.
Have vision.
Be demanding.
12.
Don’t take
counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13.
Perpetual
optimism is a force multiplier.
Running
or performing in an airshow is complex, demanding, and high pressure
undertaking. The stakes are high.
Beware of Pre-Show Mode! Make
allowances and remember to maintain focus on our collective goals.