Apply this Aviation Technique to Work Through Business Problems

Mentour Pilot is a YouTube channel hosted by Captain Petter Hornfeldt, a Boeing 737 pilot who talks about flying, how aviation works, and what goes on behind the scenes in the industry. He bills his channel as “The Number One Channel on All Things Related to Aviation.”

Captain Hornfeldt recently outlined how pilots deal with mid-air emergencies in an episode called, “How to Deal with Crisis.” He referred to the acronym PIOSEE, which stands for Problem, Information, Options, Select, Execute, Evaluate. I figured if this framework worked for emergencies in the air it would also work on the ground.

Here’s how it works:

• Identify the Problem: Take time to identify the real problem.

• Gather Information: Pull together everything you can that relates to the problem.

• Determine Options: Assess all available options.

• Select an Option: Choose the best option.

• Execute the Plan: Immediately start working the chosen option.

• Evaluate Results: Determine if the plan is working and adjust accordingly.

“I figured if this framework worked for emergencies in the air it would also work on the ground.”

We all know that now and then something will go off track with a project, customer relationship, or initiative. Fortunately, it’s rarely going to be as life and death of a situation as an engine failing upon take-off. Applying the steps above will help you quickly move from a problem that is going wrong to a problem that is going away.