In the world of aviation, when you are the Pilot in Command (PIC), you use a specific phrase to describe the people behind you: "Souls on Board". We don't just see them as passengers or ticket numbers; we see them as living, breathing human beings for whom we are absolutely responsible.
When you strap into that cockpit, you are accepting the weight of roughly 150 souls annually. As an entrepreneur, your company is your cockpit, and the people you hire are the souls under your command.
The Weight of the Stripes
If you look at a pilot's uniform, the stripes are placed on the shoulders. There is a powerful metaphor there: the shoulders are heavy because you carry the weight of everyone on that aircraft. Every decision you make with your hands directly impacts the lives in the cabin.
As a founder, if you have ten employees, you aren't just managing ten "resources"—you are responsible for ten families. If you fail to build a stable system or make a reckless decision, it isn't just a line item on a spreadsheet that suffers; it is the well-being of those families.
Beyond the Payroll
One thing that deeply saddens me today is how some founders treat their team, especially interns. People often hire interns "left, right, and center" just to fill a budget gap without a second thought for where that young person is headed.
We must remember:
- Every team member has dreams and aspirations.
- An internship is a critical step in a human career path, not just free labour.
- As a leader, you are responsible for ensuring that their time with you adds genuine value to their lives.
The Servant Leader
I personally follow a servant leadership style, inspired by figures like Ratan Tata. In the military, a commanding officer knows everything about their troops—even their wedding anniversaries. They take their "men's" problems personally because responsibility extends beyond the hours on the clock.
True leadership isn't about the ego of being a CEO; it is about the discipline of care. If you remove your title, your "suit," and your "wings," you must still be a good human being who people actually want to follow.
The "God complex" found in many young founders is shallow and short-lived. To build something that lasts, you must embrace the gravity of the PIC role. You are responsible for the souls on board your "startup flight." Treat that responsibility with the respect it deserves, and never forget that you are, at the end of the day, just a man serving others.
Fin.
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