WORTH THE READ: JIM HANSON GUEST EDITORIAL

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is from Jim Hanson, a career aviator and longtime RAF Supporter.

The RAF Turns 20:

There is so much to be proud of on this 20th anniversary of the RAF! Searching for a way to illustrate this, it occurred to me that creating a large organization or business is much like bringing up your own child. YOU gave it life – YOU molded it into the success it has become. The success of the RAF is a reflection on YOU, the “parents.” Here are some lessons learned from my own parents, who brought up six kids, applicable to starting and managing a business, or an organization like the RAF:

1. When the “baby” is young, it is all-consuming; you think about it every waking minute, and in turn, it keeps you up all night.
2. In the beginning, the “baby” needs to be changed—A LOT!
3. As it gets older, it starts to develop its own personality and identity—with or without your input.
4. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” couldn’t be more true—you need help and input from many people.
5. The “older kids” help bring up the “younger kids”—imparting “tribal knowledge” and wisdom to the younger kids, as well as helping out the parents.
6. As an adolescent, the kid thinks he or she knows everything, and will only find out after making mistakes that they do not.
7. As your “youngster” matures, you take increasing pride in their accomplishments.
8. As it reaches adulthood, your “child” has fully assumed its own identity, and you realize it can function without you. You can (and should) be proud of that fact!

That has certainly been the case with the RAF!

To continue the analogy of a person or organization growing from a young child to an adult, I offer the following examples from my parents (and you likely heard it from your own). Whether bringing up kids, or starting a business or organization, these attributes are applicable:

• “Always associate with people smarter than you” (in my case, that isn’t a problem!).
• “Don’t make promises you can’t keep”.
• “Under-promise, and Over-deliver!”
• “Don’t be afraid to ask for help—we all need it at some time, and you can learn from the failures of others.”
• “By helping others, you often help yourself.”
• You have one chance to make a “First Impression”.
• The most valuable commodity you have is people’s confidence in you to “do the right thing”—don’t let them down.
• “Just because _____ acts that way doesn’t mean YOU have to! Be your own person!”.
• “Do a few things, but do them well.”
• “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—we all make them—but be sure to learn from your mistakes.”
• “Much can be accomplished if you don’t care WHO gets the credit!”
• “Respect (and reputation) is earned, not granted.”
• “It’s not WHO you know—it’s who knows YOU—and what you stand for!”
• “If you ever want to make a friend, ask THEM to do YOU a favor!”
• Those that give themselves so their progeny can have a better life are to be admired—“the kids are gonna be alright!”

I would have to say that the RAF “checks all of the boxes” when it comes to dealing with others. Perhaps these are the secrets to their success!

Click here to read about how the RAF aided aviation in Minnesota, which is when Jim first got involved with the RAF.

Submitted on April 26, 2023.