Air traffic control Quote by Amy C. Edmondson
![“Sullenberger later wrote about [air traffic controller] Harten, "his words let me know that he understood that these hard choices were mine to make, and it wasn't going to help if he tried to dictate a plan to me.” quote by Amy C. Edmondson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/711/amy-c-edmondson-218686_air-traffic-control_sullenberger-later-wrote-about-air-traff_3170370.jpg)
““Sullenberger later wrote about [air traffic controller] Harten, "his words let me know that he understood that these hard choices were mine to make, and it wasn't going to help if he tried to dictate a plan to me.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson, 2018
A leader should trust the expertise of their team, but not impose rigid plans that undermine autonomy.
In simple terms: Leaders must balance guidance with freedom.
Key Takeaway
Empower teams to decide.
Themes
leadership
trust
autonomy
Mood
reflective
professional
Type
advice
leadership
When to use this quote
- project management
- airline operations
- team meetings
Key Concepts
psychological safety
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you know when to intervene?
- When does guidance become control?
A Different Perspective
Over‑guidance can stifle creativity and ownership.
![“I'm confident because of the - what we [USA government] call the strategic agreement we're now working on with them, we will be deeply involved within every aspect of their government from helping them improve their agriculture, to train air traffic controllers, to train pilots for the F-16s…” quote by Joe Biden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be2/joe-biden-454_agreement_i-m-confident-because-of-the-what-we-usa_1033479.jpg)
