Discretion

Discretion is the better part of valor.  I am still trying to comprehend the meaning of this phrase.  There are times when I think I have it, then I open my mouth and out spews instant regret.

I was flying with this man, I want to think he was younger than myself.  I knew he had baggage, and by baggage I mean he had many issues that he brought with him.  In any case, we were flying and we were coming into an land and the flight engineer nudges me.  He points to the co-pilots instruments and they were going crazy.  You see what had happened was that the co-pilot had set up his approach all wrong.  This was a black and white issue and I explained it to him that he needed to perform this function at this time and so forth.  He said that he just wanted to do it this way because he wanted to do it this way.  I explained the procedure that needed to be performed and asked that he perform the procedure in the proper manner.  I further explained that the way he had it set up could give him erroneous information and he could really mess up by doing what he was doing.  As it turns out, he was a stubborn man who persisted on doing it the wrong way due to many reasons.  One of the reasons he performed the procedure in the wrong way was to prove some sort of point to me. 

After two times of doing this I had my fill.  We landed and finished all checklists.  I stopped everyone in there seats and started to express my thoughts.  I told him, "listen, I don't know what the problem is, but what I need from you is this."  I now set down the rules.  "There is only room for three of us in the cockpit.  Either you leave the monkey on your back and the chip on your shoulder outside or you have to stay out." 

Well, that little speech landed me in the Chief Pilots office.  I was told that I needed to practice my social skills.  I was in the right, meaning the co-pilot was performing the procedure wrong, but I needed to use my social skills to change the situation.  I needed to use discretion I was told.

I find this to be quite the battle lately.  Should I say anything or just be quiet.  If anyone has the answer to this, please let me know. 

Discretion is the better part of valor.  Valor being defined as showing great courage in the face of danger.  I guess if a man can't swim, he should really watch how much he rocks the boat.  Here I go again with the cliche's.  The funny part is that I read something today that stated a writer should avoid cliche's like the plague. 

I write this one for my son Aaron.  We got into a few "discussions" growing up.  I always thought he showed great discretion.  He has taught me much. 

Until next time, be sure and keep good company.  I know I do, you know,  that monkey on my back and a chip on each shoulder.  ;)