I was wondering how many pilots/employees out there are comfortable approaching the boss about things that are bothering them? For example, it could be maintanence, weather related topics, pay, safety, or any other number of issues that affect what we do.
Are the owners/operators approachable? Will they listen to you if you have genuine concerns? Or do they just shrug their shoulders and turn their thoughts elsewhere?
Today, I approached my boss about a couple of issues on my mind, and have done so many times in the past...suprisingly, he was open to my thoughts and suggestions. It shows that there are some good people out there! It also shows that he values his employees.
What are your comments on this subject? I'd like to hear from some of the 'experienced' people like Cat Driver and Oldtimer as well as the newer pilots. Thanks.
The Boss
Moderators: North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, lilfssister, I WAS Birddog
-
I'd Rather Be Flying
- Rank 3
- Posts: 124
- Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2004 9:24 am
- Location: This island earth.
The Boss
"Come down, your head is in the sky, feet on the ground...come down."
-
TopperHarley
- Rank (9)
- Posts: 1870
- Joined: Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:56 pm
I'm a newbie myself (400 hour pilot, working as an aerial photographer).
I'm in a pretty fortunate position because I do not get pressured into flying when the weather is bad (if it's bad, the pictures turn out poorly, and then I get in trouble for having gone up).
There have been some situations however where I have had to explain to my boss why I decided to not take pictures of certain locations. For example, I was recently shooting very close to some para-jump airspace. I decided to not shoot an entire area because of possible conflict. There have also been many instances where I have had to stay really high to avoid nearby towers, creating a rather poor picture. I have also stopped shooting areas because of noise complaints.
Fortunately, my boss is good with all this kind of stuff. He has never threatened me with firing me, and I do not think he would ever do that. In the past few days, we have been extremely busy because it is the end of our shooting season, and we are trying to get in as many pictures as possible. However, because of the weather, I flew 0 hours this week, and took no pictures, including some special date-sensitive requests that need to get done. I was a little frustrated, but there is nothing that I could do, and my boss understood it when I explained it to him.
I'm in a pretty fortunate position because I do not get pressured into flying when the weather is bad (if it's bad, the pictures turn out poorly, and then I get in trouble for having gone up).
There have been some situations however where I have had to explain to my boss why I decided to not take pictures of certain locations. For example, I was recently shooting very close to some para-jump airspace. I decided to not shoot an entire area because of possible conflict. There have also been many instances where I have had to stay really high to avoid nearby towers, creating a rather poor picture. I have also stopped shooting areas because of noise complaints.
Fortunately, my boss is good with all this kind of stuff. He has never threatened me with firing me, and I do not think he would ever do that. In the past few days, we have been extremely busy because it is the end of our shooting season, and we are trying to get in as many pictures as possible. However, because of the weather, I flew 0 hours this week, and took no pictures, including some special date-sensitive requests that need to get done. I was a little frustrated, but there is nothing that I could do, and my boss understood it when I explained it to him.
"Never travel faster than your guardian angel can fly." - Mother Theresa
-
Cat Driver
- Top Poster
- Posts: 18921
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2004 8:31 pm
If your boss does not listen to you and treat you like his friend...which you should be...Then you start looking for a new boss right then.
I have worked for all kinds, from border line crimminals to the nicest bosses you could ever want.
The nice guys were "always" concerned with my welfare because his business depended on it.
The border line crimminals on the other hand were bullies...and I told them to pound salt and left.
Cat
I have worked for all kinds, from border line crimminals to the nicest bosses you could ever want.
The nice guys were "always" concerned with my welfare because his business depended on it.
The border line crimminals on the other hand were bullies...and I told them to pound salt and left.
Cat
The hardest thing about flying is knowing when to say no
After over a half a century of flying no one ever died because of my decision not to fly.
After over a half a century of flying no one ever died because of my decision not to fly.
-
Double Wasp
- Rank 3
- Posts: 142
- Joined: Sun Feb 29, 2004 12:08 am
-
Right Seat Captain
- Rank Moderator
- Posts: 1237
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2004 7:51 pm
- Location: Various/based CYOW
I am very fortunate to have a boss that anyone can approach, and he'll listen to everything you have to say and take everything into consideration. He also stands behind any of the pilot's decisions (ie to ground an aircraft, not to fly for Wx...).
Although the one thing that I've had trouble approaching any boss about, be it in aviation or working at a bagel shop, is pay issues. I don't know why, but I find it very difficult to bring up this issue. Does anyone else have this problem?
Although the one thing that I've had trouble approaching any boss about, be it in aviation or working at a bagel shop, is pay issues. I don't know why, but I find it very difficult to bring up this issue. Does anyone else have this problem?
The thing with wages is to take care of it early if it's bothering you. Otherwise it festers and an unhappy employee isn't a productive employee.
Owners and managers can and tend to forget wages until you bring it up with them.
At the very least you'll know where you stand and can take appropriate action. There are too many stories of guys/gals that don't talk about the bottom line and they end up becoming very bitter.
Even the most loyal employee must take care of themselves first. IMHO
Owners and managers can and tend to forget wages until you bring it up with them.
At the very least you'll know where you stand and can take appropriate action. There are too many stories of guys/gals that don't talk about the bottom line and they end up becoming very bitter.Even the most loyal employee must take care of themselves first. IMHO
In two jobs, three bosses, from instructing to flying central to northern saskatchewan, I have had the broad spectrum of bosses, from the bad to the good. My current boss is approachable and great to work with, knows how to treat his employees. I have definetely found that most bosses are approachable, and usually easy to work with. BUT, definetly get anything promised to you in writing.
Cheers
Apache
Cheers
Apache
