Often in the pages of Ground Support Worldwide, we’re discussing the latest technology advancements in the industry. It’s not that tried and true practices aren’t effective in many cases, but it’s exciting to look ahead at what new equipment and methods can improve the turnaround process.
But adopting new technology isn’t always easy. Changing the way we do our job takes us out of our comfort zone and it’s natural to resist that.
While attending a trade show a couple years ago, I sat in on a discussion about embracing the future. Simon Anderson, a futurist for consulting company Venture Foresight, led the discussion and shared a number of tips about keeping up with new technology developments.
The advice that stuck with me most was the idea of finding a “reverse mentor.”
Consider, a long-tenured employee with years of experience on the ramp may be the best candidate to train a new hire on how to properly use a piece of ground support equipment. He or she is a mentor.
Likewise, a younger member of an operation, who was born into a world of changing technology and is comfortable adapting with those advances, can be the best person to consult on the topic. That person would be a “reverse mentor.”
Learning can, and should, take place in both directions.
Simply chat with your “reverse mentor” about technology. Ask questions if you don’t understand something – just like you would expect the new hire to do during training.
Additionally, make time to read about developments in the industry (preferably, Ground Support Worldwide!). Collecting information from trusted sources and discussing it with those most familiar with it can make adopting new technologies much less stressful. Without the stress, stepping out of comfort zones becomes significantly easier.
