Control the Controllables

Mandy Hickson

Leadership Coach

In this empowering Step, you'll learn to focus on what truly matters. Explore the concept of control and discover how to channel your energy into actionable tasks, leaving behind distractions and uncertainties to reclaim your time and productivity.

Time Management

Control the Controllables

8 mins 47 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand control in high-stress situations
Identify controllable factors
Apply a decision-making framework

Overview:

Mandy Hickson shares her experience flying a Tornado from the US to the UK, emphasising the importance of controlling what you can in high-stress situations. Using a decision-making framework, she highlights how focusing on controllable factors and letting go of the rest can improve performance and reduce stress. By adopting these strategies, professionals can effectively manage task overload and maintain focus.

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Summary

What is the key lesson Mandy Hickson emphasises from her experience flying back from the US?

When faced with high-stress situations, it's crucial to focus on controlling what you can. During her flight, Mandy and her team focused on scanning the airspace to avoid collisions, even though they couldn't control the overall airspace situation.

How did Mandy Hickson handle the immediate issue of American airspace being shut down?

She focused on what was within her control – their flight path. By scanning the airspace ahead and ensuring a clear path, they managed the risk of mid-air collisions despite the chaotic situation.

What does "control the controllables" mean according to Mandy Hickson?

It means focusing on what you can manage and letting go of what you can't. This approach helps in effectively prioritising tasks, maintaining high performance, and reducing stress.

How can identifying controllable factors help in managing stress and workload?

By listing controllable factors such as communication and alternative solutions, and identifying uncontrollable factors like room availability, individuals can focus on actionable steps, reducing stress and improving task management.

What is the step-by-step framework Mandy Hickson suggests for decision-making?

Identify the problem
List controllable factors
Identify uncontrollable factors
Assess impact and timeframe
Decide to keep and act or drop and delegate

How can this decision-making framework improve workplace efficiency?

This framework encourages proactive problem-solving and effective time management, allowing individuals to focus on high-priority tasks and delegate or drop non-essential ones, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing stress.

The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this video are those of the creator and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations.

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Mandy Hickson

Mandy's journey as the second woman to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line spans over three decades of aviation experience, including three tours of duty and 45 missions over Iraq. Renowned as a captivating keynote speaker, she shares her insights with humour and passion, inspiring audiences worldwide. As a coach and mentor, Mandy empowers others in decision-making, leadership, and stress management. Outside of her aviation career, she remains active in supporting the military and serves as a sports ambassador for Hampshire. Her bestselling book, 'An Officer. Not a Gentleman', chronicles her groundbreaking career as a pioneering female fighter pilot.

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