Lessons From 3000 Feet
“If anything happens, you need to pull this lever here at the top to deploy the canopy, unbuckle your harness, then stand on the seat and jump out. Once you’re out, pull the ring up and hard to deploy your parachute.”
Right then. That was the safety briefing I received last week on leave. It felt… well, a little different to the usual “your nearest exit might be behind you” on a normal aircraft.
Probably because this wasn’t a normal aircraft. This one had no engine.
It was a glider.
And the pilot?
My husband.
Now, when I’m nervous, I go quiet. And on this occasion? Silent. So many questions rushed through my mind: “If the plane is spinning towards the ground, how on earth am I going to stand on the seat?!”
“What if we’re too low to deploy the parachute?”
“What if I forget to pull the lever?” Honestly, I could have written a novel with all the scenarios rushing through my head.
But then came those calm words: “Don’t worry. It will be fine.”
And of course, he was right. He’s done this hundreds of times. The truth is, I was statistically more likely to have a crash on the drive to the airfield than in the glider itself.
He’s a highly skilled pilot. And what really struck me is why he’s so skilled. It’s not just natural talent (though he does seem born to fly). It’s countless hours of practice. Investing in training. Going on courses. Seeking out mentors. Learning from every flight. Being intentional about his development.
He doesn’t just “rock up” at the airfield, cross his fingers, and hope for the best. He understands how to find the thermals, how to soar, how to land safely even when conditions are far from perfect.
As we soared across the sky in the glider, I was reminded just how much trust we place in the invisible—air currents, the skill of the tow plane, and the hands of the person guiding the controls. There’s no roar of an engine pushing you forward, no dashboard full of dials monitoring thrust.
In many organisations, we operate a bit like gliders—each department or team often expected to soar solo. But real progress happens when we tap into shared lift—those invisible currents, unseen talents and strengths that help teams’ collaboration, communication and soar.
Reflective Questions for You and Your Team:
Where are you trying to “power through” when you could be gliding with others?
Who or what in your team acts as your “tow plane” or thermal lift?
Which of your strengths help you break down silos and create interdependent success?
Next time you feel stuck or stalled, pause and ask: Where could I collaborate instead of push harder? Just like a glider, you might find the lift you need was there all along.
And if you’re curious about how to harness your own “invisible lift” — not just know your CliftonStrengths themes but truly soar with them, I’ve created an email series that helps you unpack your talents in bite-sized, practical and fun ways.
Think of it as a personal flight manual, built just for you (and far less terrifying than standing on a glider seat at 3,000 feet!).
Sign up via this link. https://charlotteblair.com.au/unlock-the-power-of-your-cliftonstrengths-themes/
