AIN Contributor

Sheryl Barden

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: business aviation isn’t about airplanes—it’s about people. And we’re fortunate to have some of the most remarkable people in our industry.
That’s why how we show up matters. Every day. Everywhere.
Whether at a training center, an FBO, commenting on LinkedIn, or attending an event, our words and actions matter. They reflect not only on our organizations but on our industry as a whole.
We Represent More Than Ourselves
A Part 91 director told me a story that made him proud. At an FBO, a fellow department leader approached one of his pilots and said, “Your team always looks polished and professional. I wish our culture was like yours.”
That’s what being an “employer of choice” looks like. It’s a place where employees line up to work. And it’s how reputations are built and how flight departments endure.
Every time we speak about our teams, leaders, or schedules, we’re either enhancing or diminishing our department’s brand. And when those comments are made in public, they carry weight. Good or bad.
We’ve all witnessed this situation: someone openly complaining or letting internal conflict spill out. That negativity travels quickly—sometimes all the way to corporate leadership. When morale breaks down in plain sight, it can severely damage your relationship.
Leadership Can’t Fix It Alone
Being an employer of choice requires more than competitive compensation. It takes alignment across three pillars: leadership, balance, and pay. And, just as important, it requires ownership at every level.
Leaders must help their teams understand:
<ul>
<li>The “Why” behind decisions</li>
<li>The “How” of the strategy</li>
<li>What each person can do to support culture and retention</li>
</ul>
But employees also have a responsibility to show up with professionalism and positivity. Even when it feels like no one is watching—because someone always is.
Make Your Company Shine
Ask yourself: How do I show up—on the job and beyond? Would someone watching me or my team today want to join us? Would they walk away inspired?
If the answer is yes, you’re doing it right. You’re reinforcing value and attracting talent. If not, it’s time to reflect and reset.
Business aviation is, at its core, a service industry. Our value is reflected in how we treat our clients, colleagues, partners, and vendors.
And in today’s environment, being an employer of choice isn’t a title you earn once—it’s a reputation you have to earn every day.
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by AIN Media Group.

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