Colliding bubbles.

I was chatting with a friend of mine, an airline pilot, about how technology has influenced modern aircraft and infrastructure. Whilst he acknowledged that there have been some worthwhile advancements [such as GPS] he still described an aviation landscape that involved everyone operating as if in their own little bubble.

He gave a 'great' example of this ‘bubble syndrome’.

On approach to landing at around 500 feet the pilots are required to follow a sequence of checks and operate various systems of the aircraft. It is at the exact same time that the air traffic control tower will communicate via radio – demanding a response and therefore distracting the crew from their more pressing duties [as they perceive them]. Each ‘side’ in this story is operating in complete compliance with their rules, requirements and regulations. However, even though their unifying goal [to land the aircraft safely] is clear, neither are adequately aligned with each other’s operational demands. 

Does this feel familiar from your business life? It did for me.

I recall many such examples in my former corporate life where a common business goal was known yet the different departments were operating within their own little bubbles. It would be easy to blame those other departments, the organisation, processes or KPI’s but awareness and acknowledgment starts with the individual. You and me.

We know from when we were children; when you blow soapy bubbles into the air, most burst when they collide with another. Only a tiny number will join together upon contact. But when that happens; the result is a larger, single bubble that can float higher and further.

Which approach will you foster from now on?