US Airways Captain Chesley Sullenberg became an overnight celebrity in the wake of his heroic actions during Flight 1549 on January 15th of this year. Birds collided with the jet engines, which placed the aircraft in mechanical danger in a matter of seconds. The captain made an instantaneous decision not to fly the disabled aircraft back to New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Instead, he made an emergency landing in the Hudson River. He of course was applauded by aviation officials for his cool headed skills as a pilot.

During a federal aviation safety hearing yesterday, Captain Sullenberg expressed regret over one aspect of that day’s events. He stated that he regretted being unable to let the passengers and crew know that a water landing was coming.
The only notice that was given before the splashdown was: “This is the Captain-brace for impact.”

Captain Sullenberg is truly a hero. There is no need for him to regret the lack of a detailed warning. He did what all good leaders should do during times of crisis. He quickly evaluated the situation and made a choice. If had been indecisive for even a matter of seconds, loss of life would have been imminent.

I want the leaders in my life to make decisions with confidence. I don’t need any advance warning. They don’t need to consult with me. My philosophy is: make a decision and I will support you. Unfortunately good people in positions of authority often feel crippled during crisis periods, because it has become sport to second guess, criticize, and otherwise arm chair quarterback every choice that leaders make. I am thankful that Captain Sullenberg obviously gave little consideration to the fallout he would face in the wake of landing a commercial airliner in the Hudson River. His willingness to be decisive saved lives. What about us? Are we willing to support the choices that our leaders make during periods of crisis? I don’t know, but either way, we too must brace for impact.