Avionics News July 2012 - 4

NOW

Illusions or Reality I

recently attended a meeting where a behavioral scien- members, come together and discuss factors that affect tist presented a seminar on human behavior based in our industry as a whole in an honest and open fashion. the business world. The presenter showed a short film clip We brought in consultants and experts around the industry of people passing basketballs in a circle, and the viewers to discuss these topics and how the AEA might tackle or were asked to count the number of passes between people impact some of these issues. wearing white shirts. Halfway through the clip, a person Like the gorilla video, I equate this committee experidressed in a gorilla suit strolls through the middle of the ence to recognizing the 800-pound gorilla in the room. In circle and walks out. After viewing this clip, less this process, we discovered a few gorillas, but than 20 percent of the viewers saw the gorilla. we worked hard to not distort reality or miss After being informed of the gorilla and watchwhat is occurring in the world around us. I was ing the video again, most people questioned proud to serve on this committee and amazed whether or not it was the same video clip. I had how the goals of so many commonly align. a similar reaction and could not believe I missed The AEA continues to help all its members a big, hairy gorilla walking through the middle understand the game changers, identify the of the circle. issues and regulations that affect us all and Jeanne RauThe two professors that originally showed collectively work to find a path to accomplish Flattery this video clip to Harvard University students our goals. wrote a book on the subject. The Invisible The AEA Strategic Outlook Committee Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us, by Christopher report is not complete, but it will be released soon. Please Chabris and Daniel Simons, addresses the shortcomings look for it in future issues of magazine and and distorted beliefs we hold and how they influence discussed at the AEA Regional Meetings this fall. our lives. The book examines the illusions of attention, Finally, if you want to share the gorilla clip with your comemory, knowledge, cause, potential and confidence. workers as a fun exercise, visit YouTube at www.youtube. Based on the gorilla clip example, it is fascinating to com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo. You may be surprised how learn how our brain filters or distorts views based upon many people don’t see the gorilla. At the conclusion of the what we see, hear and observe. video, ask your staff to step back and examine what is hapSometimes, we choose to ignore or distort the truth in pening around you and try not to let illusions cloud reality. q the business world. I recently had the privilege of participating on the AEA’s Strategic Outlook Committee. The committee was comprised of very distinguished and accomplished individuals within our industry. Together, we examined game changers that might affect our industry during the JEANNE RAU-FLATTERY next 10 years. It was amazing to see the committee mem- Treasurer, AEA board of directors bers, which included competitors, associate and regular Millennium International and Aero Express Inc.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo

Avionics News July 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News July 2012