Every industry needs strong leaders and managers — even the aviation space. Professionals motivated to become aviation managers can develop the necessary skills and learn both modern aviation technology and best practices in business through the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Aviation Management program from Florida Institute of Technology.
After 20 years of studies of more than 27 million employees and 2.5 million workgroups, Gallup found that employee engagement directly affects vital performance indicators. Customer satisfaction, profitability and productivity are just a few key metrics negatively affected by poor employee engagement. Gallup’s conclusion is that inefficient management and inconsistency contribute greatly to poor performance by workgroups.
Gallup recommends that companies focus on identifying and empowering great managers who can maximize morale and motivate their teams. Along with this, great managers help build relationships, are good decision-makers and can create a culture of clear accountability.
Gallup’s research reveals that about 10% of people are naturally great managers with the necessary traits to help their teams achieve excellence. However, an additional 20% of people have basic managerial talent and, with coaching and development, can function at a high level. Through Florida Tech’s online BA in Aviation Management, students can develop the essential communication and leadership skills to become effective managers and directors in aviation management roles.
Qualities of a Good Leader
A critical skill that an effective aviation manager needs is the ability to communicate. To motivate people, you must first be able to engage with them. Clear and open communication, which includes careful listening skills, is vital. The manager’s role involves communicating with those reporting to them and with other managers, directors and executives in their own organizations and external companies.
Great managers also have effective leadership skills and provide guidance and direction to their teams. Identifying training needs and providing the right training and support is critical. Being well organized and capable of time management are also essential skills when overseeing airline operations, which typically involves dealing with significant paperwork, data and documentation and managing precise schedules.
Aviation management involves airport operations, aircraft maintenance, airline management, budgeting, flight scheduling, crew management, compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and customer service. These varied responsibilities require managers to be proficient in all the critical skills mentioned above.
Strategic Communication Skills for Aviation Leaders
Aviation is a fast-paced and high-stakes field. In addition to managing complex operations, aviation leaders are tasked with ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. In a LinkedIn article, the Global Council of Leaders & Diplomats points out that “safety is the top priority in aviation, and clear, strategic communication is essential for maintaining it.”
Crisis situations are a regular occurrence in the aviation industry. Whether due to schedule changes, canceled flights, mechanical failures, severe weather or security threats, aviation leaders must be able to quickly and effectively manage the situation and communicate information to passengers, authorities, the media, and all relevant staff and crew involved. This includes airlines, airports, air traffic control, regulatory agencies and more.
Becoming a Strong Leader
Indeed‘s career guide describes strong leadership as the ability to “encourage, motivate, inspire, and challenge your team to produce their best work.” Having a common purpose, clearly defined goals, and great communication nurtures strong relationships and elevates your entire team.
According to Indeed, “leading teams is a core function of an aviation manager.” Indeed urges aspiring aviation managers to “develop leadership skills such as motivating staff, delegating tasks, making important decisions and developing business strategies.” Even before securing a management position, you can practice leadership skills and develop your leadership style “by volunteering to lead projects and attending courses and workshops in leadership and management.”
How Florida Tech’s Online BA Sets Aviation Leaders Up for Managerial Success
The online BA in Aviation Management program at Florida Tech provides professionals with the knowledge to excel as a leader in aviation management. Florida Tech is one of only six universities designated as a core partner in the FAA’s Center of Excellence Partnership to Enhance General Aviation Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability (PEGASAS).
Through core courses like General Aviation Operations and Management and Principles of Management and additional courses on psychology of leadership and the workplace, graduates develop applicable leadership skills for any role. Foundational aviation and technology knowledge and leadership insights equip graduates for success in aviation.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online Bachelor of Arts in Aviation Management program.
