Michael Rettig’s Post

When you think of Southwest Airlines what comes to mind? Today, on a flight, I reflected on how we stand out in the business world. Everywhere I looked, there were reminders of "be different," a concept we emphasize in our workshops. Whether it's a thumbs up or thumbs down, you have to admit Southwest knows why they stand out and consistently share it. How do you distinguish yourself as a team member, owner, or business? Think about it. 🤔 #Differentiation #BusinessExcellence www.signage-academy.com

Could Boeing have better handled the recent #PR crisis it encountered when an Alaska Airlines plane lost its door mid-flight, leading to all of Boeing’s 737 MAX 9 model planes? Without question! As well-respected #PR reporter Sean Devlin explains here in this highly-informative Ragan Communications and PR Daily analysis. Click on the link below for more specific insights regarding how the implementation of the right measurement, reporting and #communications #analytics can make a huge difference in problematic scenarios likes this one.

The importance of good positioning for Southwest Airlines and how it affects business. Often, it is more important to know what not to do and to have discipline to say no. From the book: Myths of Strategy: Dispel the Misconceptions and Deliver a Winning Strategy https://lnkd.in/dsRVg8Kt Book from: Jérôme Barthélemy

As a public company that operates internationally, Southwest Airlines is heavily reliant upon collaboration. When it comes to #SECreporting, individuals from #legal, #investorrelations, #accounting, and #more team up to produce #reports, so the easier and more clear the communication is, the better. That’s why Southwest been a Workiva customer since 2013. In this video, hear from Riley Drummond, Southwest Airlines Supervisor of #FinancialReporting, and learn how he's used Workiva to #digitally #transform their #work and #collaboration. #airlines https://lnkd.in/gF879jme

With a candid look at listener feedback and the operational hurdles facing airlines, we explore the resilience required in today’s aviation professionals. Dial in as we emphasize the importance of adapting to industry fluctuations, offer advice on handling periods of less flight activity, and encourage pilots to remain engaged and proactive in managing their careers. 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔’𝐋𝐋 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 • Effective ways to address and benefit from listener feedback • Insights into United Airlines' strategic decisions regarding pilot employment and furloughs • Ways to stay proactive and career-focused during industry slowdowns • Importance of building and maintaining connections within the aviation industry • Strategies for personal and professional development amidst industry uncertainties Subscribe so you don't miss out on great content and if you love the show, leave an honest rating and written review! Link in the comment section👇 #AviationPodcast #PilotAdvice #AviationCareer

Aviation Safety Alert 🚨 Recently, there have been some rare but significant incidents involving aircraft wheels detaching shortly after takeoff. For example, on March 7, 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 777-200 lost a tire shortly after departing San Francisco International Airport, damaging several cars in a parking lot. The aircraft safely diverted to Los Angeles International Airport for an emergency landing. Similarly, a FlySafair Boeing 737-800 experienced a similar issue on April 21, 2024, when one of its main landing gear wheels detached after taking off from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. The aircraft safely landed back at the airport after burning off excess fuel. Source While these incidents are rare, they raise questions about maintenance practices and mechanical reliability. However, I've been asked - Is this a Boeing issue or an airline maintenance issue? Safety Opinion From a safety perspective, such incidents usually stem from a combination of factors, including maintenance practices, component wear and tear, and sometimes manufacturing - in this case (Boeing) defects. Boeing vs. Airline Issue: Boeing: Aircraft manufacturers like Boeing design planes with rigorous safety standards. However, even with these standards, components can occasionally have defects or fail prematurely. Boeing is responsible for ensuring that their designs and manufacturing processes minimize the risk of such failures. Airline Maintenance: Airlines are responsible for the regular maintenance and inspection of their aircraft. United Airlines has faced scrutiny for maintenance practices in the past. Ensuring that all components, including wheels, are checked and maintained according to strict schedules is critical for safety. Considering the recurrence of wheel detachment incidents, it suggests that while Boeing's designs generally meet high safety standards, there might be gaps in the maintenance protocols followed by airlines, which could contribute to these failures. Therefore, it is likely a combination of both factors. Ultimately, robust maintenance practices and rigorous inspection protocols are essential to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. https://lnkd.in/gTdtY2zx #AviationSafety #AircraftMaintenance #AviationNews #SafetyFirst

Kudos to the Alaska Airlines comms team for this A+ comms -- I think this one sets the bar for comms excellence in 2024. The really smart and effective things Alaska did in a 6 minute video that feels simple, and not overly produced or scripted: -- picked a medium that allowed the CEO to communicate directly to the audiences they wanted to reach, while maintaining control of the narrative. -- delivered a super clear comms that addressed multiple audiences and landed several messages, without overwhelming, in just 6 mins (being to the point, while really landing the point(s) is truly an art). -- took responsibility up front (didn't try to bury it late in the video) AND apologized to the passengers on the flight, and those still impacted from the grounding of the fleet (these two don't often go hand in hand) -- clearly explained the actions they have already taken and provided a status update on those actions -- acknowledged this situation is still fluid, they don't have a lot of answers yet, but committed to continuing to share information as it becomes available -- was honest that they don't know how long this review process will take/fleet will grounded -- informed viewers about aviation safety protocols -- the layers in place to keep passengers safe, how those are being reviewed, and the collaboration with Boeing and FAA (this reinforces many points, and helps to rebuild trust, without finger pointing). This kind of comms is no easy feat when you consider the likely restrictions of what can be shared, when and how, as both a public company, and from an oversight body like the FAA, and you know, all the lawyers. Raise your hand if you also would rather have the hot takes on this one from Eleanor Hawkins 😃 After watching this, as a someone who is flying Alaska tomorrow, I have 0 concerns. Mission accomplished Alaska comms team ✅ https://lnkd.in/gcGfhB_9

We're all out of good ideas. Southwest Airlines isn't doing great, so activist Investor Paul Singer of Elliot Management is trying to force Southwest Airlines to abandon its bags fly-free policy. Southwest Leadership estimates they could lose 50% of their loyal customer base if they change the policy. ARE WE SURE IT'S THE BAGS PAUL? The list of PR disasters, near crashes, system failures, and DEI-fueled hilarity is pages long at this point. #airlines #dei #activist #investors

A recent flight delay reminded me of the importance of transparency, authenticity, and immediacy in communications. We had boarded a United Airlines flight and were halfway down the runway when the plane suddenly stopped. The pilot immediately informed us of a maintenance issue and gave an ETA for the repair. She kept us updated throughout the process, explaining each delay clearly and succinctly. From needing additional paperwork to finding a new flight path due to weather, and finally, needing more fuel, the pilot was transparent about each step. Despite the multiple delays, her honest and detailed updates gained my trust and even empathy. I felt connected to the flight team emotionally. I felt that we were in this situation together trying to get through it as quickly as possible. Flight delays suck and nobody onboard was happy (pilots and crew included) but this experience reminded me how sharing information promptly and honestly can turn a frustrating situation into a more tolerable one. As leaders, fostering trust through clear and honest communication is crucial in navigating any decision, change, or challenge. Do not delay. #Authenticity #Transparency #EffectiveCommunication #TrustBuilding #WeExistToGrowEachOther