Prepare for an Emergency Landing

4 bells - a signal that I had to go immediately to the airplane cockpit. I entered and saw the flight engineer's face. He looked like he'd just seen his life flash before him. As I sat in the jumpseat behind the Captain, he told me there was a "problem with the flaps." Since I was #1 Flight Attendant, my role was to tell the cabin crew and then lead them in by-the-book procedures. I made all of the prerequisite announcements to the passengers so the flight attendants could prepare them and the aircraft cabin for an emergency landing at JFK. 

Leadership Attitude 

I'm what you would call a natural leader. It's in my DNA. I even went to college on a 4-year leadership scholarship. Why do I tell you this? So you'll understand that being a leader in this airplane emergency was the best role for me. My leadership reflexes and instincts directed passengers to remain calm. When a flight attendant working her first trip expressed fear, I reminded her that she had just passed rigorous emergency training and FAA certification. She would just put into practice what she had learned. It never occurred to me to think negatively about the situation. Instead, I was fully present - focused on making sure everything was ready for the safest possible evacuation of passengers and cabin crew.

Attitude is a Choice

What worked for me in that emergency at altitude can be practiced wherever you are. You decide. Then practice and discover the leadership attitudes that work best for you

3 Quick Attitude-Adjustment Tips:

• Stay positive under pressure.
• Express your authentic leadership personality.
• Act in the enlightened self-interest of the people you lead and influence.

Final Flight Moments

At 500 feet the Captain announced that the back-up system for lowering the flaps had worked. So no one had to go into the final brace position. Relief was palpable!

Epilogue

Graduating college with a degree in Psychology, I wanted to travel yet had no money. My decision to work for American Airlines as a flight attendant turned out to be the right choice. Not only did I enjoy my life in New York - flying (work trips) in North America and traveling the world, but I routinely practiced and gained priceless experience in leadership and highly effective team work.