MISCOMMUNICATION KILLS: LIFELONG LESSON FROM AIR FRANCE FLIGHT 447

After today's work, I always save time to read anything interesting or something that will be useful in the future. Tonight, it happened that I read the case of Air France Flight 447, which happens to be the most deadliest accident in the history of Air France. According to Wikipedia, this accident is also the Airbus A330's second and deadliest accident, and its first in commercial passenger service.

picture from Google Search

Just a brief summary:

"Following resolution of an earlier incident with a faulty Pitot tube that lasted a few minutes, the pilot-in-command left to take a rest leaving control in the hands of the copilots. When the two copilots were operating the Airbus, it was not clear which one of the two was in charge of the plane, nor did the copilots communicate with each other about who was in control of the plane." - Reference: Crew Resource Management (Wikipedia)

When I first read that phrase, I was like... WHAT THE FUCK? Are they idiots? That is so stupid of them! Then after a few minutes, I shift the rage into a few minutes of reflection. Then I realized that miscommunication is not just a small matter.

Miscommunication is deadly. It kills friendship, relationship, marriages, healthy environment in workplace, and people (literally).

There are lots of definitions of miscommunication out there. But to simplify, miscommunication happens because one fails to talk and one fails to listen. And this leads to confusion. One person will get confused of what is his role, responsibilities, duties and the things expected from him. And since he failed to talk (which is to ask) or to listen, human error happens out of miscommunication. 

I believe that talking and listening are not the hardest part of the situation. It is the insensitivity to the situation. Always. Not many of us can recognize and be sensitive on what's happening. Some says that's stupidity, but I call it natural. Not everybody is gifted about that.

You don't need a certificate to be a great speaker or the best listener to save failing relationships or work environment or home. One should cultivate the art of sensitivity. Not the sensitive type where you are fussy about everything. But the type of sensitivity where you put yourself in one's shoes. In that way, you will get a glimpse or an idea of the bigger picture. Then talking and listening will not be difficult anymore.

Anything can be saved and fixed .... by talking and listening.

WATCHING TV IS THE NEW THING

People often say that you should reduce the number of hours watching television so you should be productive. Countless of sites and articles and motivational speakers always include that fact. But, I would like to share my opinion which is slightly different from the advice above.

Once in a while, indulge yourself on watching one episode per day of a TV series which you trust would teach you a thing or two. I encourage young professionals especially those whose working on a fast paced city or country to do this.

If you have more time, reading is better (and best). But if you're working (like me) for 10 hours a day, six days a week, and you need a simple break and light activity for your mind.... I guess watching an hour (or an episode) per day is recommended.

For the past few weeks, I've chosen these two TV series which taught me some meaningful lessons:

GAME OF THRONES

Game of Thrones is an American TV series and a novel adaptation from George R.R. Martin.The story evolves when the current Hand of the King dies. Sooner or later, the King Himself dies as well and that's basically the start of the game of thrones (literally).

I liked this TV series because:
1) This series made me realize that greed of power comes in all forms, age, and gender. Greed is considered as one of the seven deadly sin which is known as avaritia/avarice. The story depicts that when you have greed, it will never take you far.
2) Jon Snow's willingness to protect the people by serving from the Night's Watch taught me the significance of 'public service'. He showed what good governance really means. And sadly, at the end, being a good guy is still not enough. People will never understand your good intentions.
3) Arya. Her character for me is really striking. From the old times, there's always a discrimination between men and women especially when it comes to their abilities. At her young age, she already understood that there's no difference, just the anatomy.

I learned:
1) More British English words
2) Men prefers average* type of body
    * average - natural looking/not big and bulky b's
3) Religion exists during Medieval era (some says that Game of Thrones didn't happened during Medieval but on 'Late Medieval Era') but it is slightly different than the religion we have today.
4) Book is still better


SUNGKYUNKWAN SCANDAL

Sungkyunkwan Scandal is a South Korean historical period/romantic/comedy drama about a girl who disguised herself as a guy to enter Sungkyunkwan, Joseon Dynasty's highest educational institute where no women are allowed.

I liked this Korean Drama because: 
1) The combination of our the characters (the main four and the extended cast) gave us a quick glimpse of the personality of the society. There are persons who seek for revenge, justice, truth, power, and wisdom.
2) The issue where woman is not allowed to study and/or be a government official. Kim Yoon Shik (female lead) raised this issue with her professor and the professor doesn't have an answer as to how man differs from woman. (I so love that scene!)

I learned:
1) More formal Korean words
2) Brief idea of Joseon Dynasty
3) Lessons from Confucius


These TV series (and my advice) may not be applicable to everyone thus this is just a mere suggestion only. I found watching these series useful to me since I am not fond of watching series before. Like everyone else, I only knew that reading is the only good habit that one can cultivate. But in my opinion, as long as we found out how to learn on such things, one should not deprive one's self of doing so.

Do you know any TV series worth watching?