Wikipedia defines a hero as:

... hero (male) and heroine (female) came to refer to characters (fictional or historical) that, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self sacrafice – that is, heroism – for some greater good, originally of martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence.

Captain Sullenberger, according to many, falls under that definition. His hometown - actually most of the world - calls him a hero... and his modest response is:

"Circumstance determined that it was this experienced crew that was scheduled to fly that particular flight on that particular day," he said. "And I know I can speak for the entire crew when I tell you we were simply doing the jobs we were trained to do."

I hope that I get the chance to do something that amazing someday and think of it as "simply doing my job".

Did you know that he is also a certified glider pilot?

I started thinking about what part that played in the safety of the landing... then I read this article, which confirms what I thought: that he not only used his knowledge of flying a glider, but that he also was brave - brave enough to make the decision that the Hudson was a better landing choice for him and his crew. Not eveyone could so quick-thinking.

I was a bit disheartened to read some of the negative comments on that page; so many people so eager to deny him the status of hero that he did not seek - and frankly seems unwilling to accept.

Perhaps the definition of a hero should include "being able to instinctively and instantaneously use all the knowledge you have in your various fields of expertise to make a split-second decision that can save hundreds of lives".

Maybe we all won't have the opportunity to be a hero at work... but we can choose to call into play ALL our skills/knowledge/faculities the next time a client needs us. We can choose to help them the best we can by engaging in a conversation that fully utilizes our strengths to their advantage... I've "saved" clients before from bad hosting companies (no links here - not sharing bad karma!) and the stresses they create. Just today the AAA guy that jump started my car said the battery and alternator were great and he put my washer fluid in (kindly took it from my hands and did it himself); AND was surprised and gratious when I tipped him - he was my hero!!!

Gratutious David Bowie mention "we can be heroes, just for one day" (video for Monday inspiration)

V-