It is import to work ‘in’ and ‘on’ different areas of your life. This will help you to provide more value to yourself, others and your business.

1. Helicopter Leadership
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2. Intent of session
• Provide an understanding around the concept of
Helicopter leadership and the differences between
working ‘in’ and ‘on’ different areas of your life
• Give clarity as to what the different levels could be and
how they benefit yourself, others and your business
• Create a desire to schedule an appropriate amount of
time for working at each level – consciously
• Start the process of breaking your old habits and forming
new ones – assuming this is what you want to do…

3. What are the different levels
• Ground level (Front line) – Deep dive (The devils in the detail) – Investigating a specific
issue, Support a specific improvement activity, Completing a DILO, Getting into the ‘nitty
gritty’ of the day to day work of your team, technicians and operators, auditing / observing
deep in organisation
• 1,000ft Cruising altitude (Operational) - In the business – completing your ‘normal’ day to
day activities. Leading, Inspiring, setting direction, insisting values are upheld, Coaching,
1-1’s, Audits, meetings and reviews.
• 10,000ft (Strategic) – On the business – rising above the street noise, taking a global
view, learning from the past, business planning for the future, setting strategy, deciding on
long term projects, reviewing and reflecting on progress against business targets, creating
paradigm shifts
• Back at base (Refuelling) – Working on self / Sharpening the saw – completing self
development, receiving coaching, personal reflection time, setting own personal goals,
exercise, meditating, learning something new, growing

5. Benefits of working ‘altitude’ to different parties
Business Others Me
Ground level – Front
line
Fully understand and resolve an
ongoing issue, dealing with it
first hand. Show and set an
example by leading from there.
Make deep connection with people
on different level. Inspired through
having example set. Feel like what
they do matters and help is
available
Keeps variety in what you do. Get
to understand what really happens
layers beneath your normal
involvement. Experience area of
business never fully explored.
1,000ft – normal
cruising altitude
Operational
Day to day tasks get completed.
Business runs effectively with
best team to complete role
Individuals receive coaching, 1-1’s
and feedback. Individuals are
supported, challenged and held to
account
In the world of ‘known’ – providing
a feeling of certainty. Feels good at
doing what you know you can do.
Achieving, delivering.
10,000ft – high level
view
Strategic
Long range plans area made and
reviewed. Able to provide
direction and clarity even with
the day to day noise going on.
Ensures activities are
appropriately prioritised.
Helps team understand business
direction and goals. Keeps people
on track towards common goal.
Helps people understand how they
contribute to something bigger
(worthwhile)
Keeps perspective. Provides a
feeling of autonomy. Provides a
feeling of worthwhile work –
contributing to something bigger
Back at base -
refuelling
Always operate with focus and
clarity. Illness significantly
reduced. Getting the most out
of the individual
Better to be with, more likely to
care and look after others.
Promote and set example to others
Healthier, Live longer, Growing feels
good. Keeps perspective, moves
towards being more self sourced.
Enjoy (love) work even more

6. How much time should we spend at different levels…….
Senior manager Middle manager Junior manager
Ground level – Front
line 5-15% 15-25% 20-30%
1,000ft – normal
cruising altitude
Operational
60% 60% 55%
10,000ft – high level
view
Strategic 5-15% 5-10% 0-10%
Back at base -
refuelling
10-15% 10-15% 10-15%

7. What if? - What’s the point?
• You are more likely to meet your ‘human needs’
• You will be more effective in your day to day and in the
direction you lead others
• You will be more valuable in your role, providing more
value to yourself, others and your business
• Work and life will be more fulfilling – enjoy work