Last week, I traveled to Fargo, ND for work. My journey started in Los Angeles, with a connecting flight on a small regional plane from Denver.

There was only one flight attendant onboard, and she seemed nervous. Truthfully, in all my years of flying, I've never seen a flight attendant so visibly anxious. Her smile was bright, but her hands shook as she handed me a cup of water, and she read every word of her pre-flight and in-flight announcements with a quiver in her voice.

Typically, flight attendants are the epitome of calm and collected, walking down the aisle of a shaking plane as if they're strolling along a scenic beach path. The contrast was striking. Then, about an hour into the flight, I overheard her apologize to another passenger and blurt out, "It's my first day!"

First Days and First Tries

When was the last time you witnessed someone doing something for the first time? Over the years, and especially with my work at Ei, I’ve realized that these moments of vulnerability spur the most profound growth.

Starting something new takes guts, whether it's a new job, a hobby, or even going on a first date. The nervous flight attendant I encountered reminded me that we all have our "firsts," and those initial steps can certainly be the hardest. It's easy to forget the butterflies and self-doubt that come with stepping into the unknown when you have the luxury of time and experience behind you.

Think back to your own first days and first tries. How did you feel? What did you learn? How have you grown since?

When Others Embark on Their “Firsts”

Whether it be a new teammate or a close friend who is jumping into something new, here are some ways to support someone as they embark on their “firsts”:

1. Share the Spotlight: Offer them opportunities to shine, even small ones. It shows trust and confidence in their abilities, which can be incredibly empowering.
2. Ask Thoughtful Questions: Instead of offering unsolicited advice, ask questions that help them reflect and find their own solutions.
3. Normalize Discomfort: Share that feeling awkward or uncertain is part of the journey. Highlight that growth often comes from these uncomfortable moments, which can help them embrace the experience rather than shy away from it.
4. Provide a Soft Landing: If things don't go as planned, help them see it as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. Encourage them to debrief and reflect on what they’ve learned, reinforcing that mistakes are a natural part of the process.
5. Be a Silent Supporter: Sometimes, the best support is simply being there without overwhelming them with advice or expectations. Let them know you're available if they need anything but give them space to navigate their own path.

What a cool opportunity I was afforded—to witness someone at a new beginning. She will never have that first solo flight again. Chances are our paths won’t cross a second time, but if they did, I do not doubt that those nerves would have dissolved, and she may even look back on that particular flight and laugh. That’s the promise of growth—that your progress is so significant you barely recognize the person you were when you began.

As I disembarked the plane, I couldn’t help but whisper, “Great job!”. A look of relief and gratitude crossed her face. Sometimes all it takes is for one person to notice and honor your effort. Who can you do that for today?

PS. Speaking of first-timers, if you’re a leader looking to support early-career employees or new managers, we have programs to help you do that. Just drop us a line here and Erin will follow up.