David's career started in the services. The main difference between military and business is that there is a clearly defined goal in the forces, usually winning, whereas in business there are goals that are ongoing. David is now the General Manager of Flying at Virgin Atlantic.
Virgin Atlantic is growing. The 800 flying staff are all very experienced and cost a lot of money to train so there is a big investment and a very experienced group of people. Every pilot that joins, starts from the bottom, which creates a fairly static workforce that doesn't necessarily grow at the same speed as the company.
David joined Virgin to manage that flying staff from being a Pilot and has worked hard to get people on board with his own personal vision for achievement at Virgin.
One of David's views is that a Pilot is like a Senior Manager and that each Pilot needs to be able to make important decisions during a working day. Therefore they have transformed the way they drive people through the system to become pilots based on more than just their ability to fly a plane. They need to be able to lead from the front.
It's about attitude and mindset for the Pilots, sharing the values of the management and of the Company.
David himself leads from the front, often by example, showing the flying staff that any change is for everybody. He will often do things (that he faces resistance with) to show that it is nothing he isn't prepared to do. Any decision he makes for the workforce is based around his vision and the company's goals.
David is also keen to embrace his workforce, with internet forums and bulletin boards, for discussions that he himself takes part in. Again, from the front, willing to put the top level of management in the firing line, leading the way.
David discussed the need to face all problems head on, not taking the easy route out, otherwise you will pay for it later. And, to back members of the team with their decisions, when they are appropriate.
Also, to include the workforce on some major decisions, such as what planes to buy in the future.
David does recognise his weaknesses and what he needs help with, despite his level of leadership. But, with the right team around him, he has created a stronger basis for overall management and growth for his workforce, which is making itself apparent with an increased level of applicants to be a Virgin Pilot.
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