Gray Stone Advisors often works in the organizational design and evaluation sector to create high performing organizations, particularly in business and private aviation. The highest performing of these organizations perceive and describe themselves as the consummate “Team.” We believe these companies rely, knowingly or not, on distinct cultural cornerstones to achieve an elite level of
Author: Jim Lara
Getting Your Boss to YES! Author
What are two of the most intimidating discussions you’ll ever have with your Aviation Reporting Executive (ARE)? Likely they are 1) justifying headcount and 2) justifying operating budgets. Those two talks are never fun. Something about spending corporate money brings out the miser in most! So how do you convince your ARE to allocate the
Effective Communications with Your Principal Author
Helping our modest size aviation organizations thrive is one of my true passions at Gray Stone Aviation Advisors. Over half of the NBAA membership fits into this category. Yet, we, as an industry, have failed to aggressively develop leaders in this segment. I believe this lack of development has led to high turnover rates and a general sub-optimization
Coming out of Covid-Hibernation? Author
A new day dawns in Flight Operations. With COVID-19 cases beginning to decline and the vaccine becoming more readily available, there is good reason for optimism. Question is — are flight departments well positioned to turn the corner? Emerging from the pandemic, how will Aviation’s value proposition shift within your company? Is flight activity increasing
Is a Leadership Role Really Right for You? Author
And if it is, what’s required to be a “Leader?” First, you have to have a true passion for guiding people. Be very honest with yourself. Why do you want to be a “leader?” Is it just for the title or the money? That won’t be enough to carry you to success. In fact, you
4 Easy Steps to Writing Effective Value Statements for Your Flight Department Author
When created and implemented in the right way, your value statements will take on strong meaning and serve as your agreed-upon standards for evaluating the actions and behaviors of the team. Think of your value statements as guiding principles for how you’ll accomplish what you need to get done.
Business Aviation Performance Metrics: Building a Business Case Author
Business aviation performance metrics reporting is essential. Gray Stone Advisors helps you build a business case for business aviation performance metrics.
Success Engineering: How to Design your Career & Legacy Author
If you really want to design a successful, lifelong career, Jim Lara offers these “Success Engineering” tips to get you from start to finish.
Are You Ready to Be a Mentor? 6 Steps to Get You Started Author
Have you achieved personal or professional success as a result of working with a talented mentor? Has someone helped you get to where you are today by showing you ‘the ropes’? If so, perhaps you’re ready to pay it forward and become an advisor to someone who wants to elevate their career or personal pursuits to a much higher level. Becoming an effective mentor takes a lot of time and energy—and there are do’s and don’ts so take heed (and read on).
Goal Setting – Why Bother? Author
Another New Year has dawned. And for many of you, that means it’s time for Human Resources to prod your business aviation staff to start some goal setting and career planning. So, tell me: what’s on your personal and professional horizons? What are your aspirations? And how will you arrive at your desired destination? Why