Page 64 - Never Fly Solo

CHECK SIX | 37
Sure, emergencies are never fun. But if we can get back on
the ground safely and debrief, then we can fly another mission
with greater confidence and reach new heights.
In the end, checking six is about trusting others to see what
you can’t see, and it’s also about putting in the effort to see
what your wingmen can’t see. Sure, it takes work and disci-
pline to accomplish, but it’s nothing less than the foundation
for all partnerships.
Nobody likes to hear they have blind spots—areas of
vulnerability—but our blind spots are there whether or not
we’re aware of them. By having an extra pair of eyes checking
our six, we stay protected from the ever-increasing threats and
are more able to focus on hitting the target. Checking six will
help us all return to base as one unified team, ready to fly
again. And at the end of the day, this is what really matters.

WALDO’S WINGTIPS

Here are four more WingTips for creating a check-six culture
in your organization:

• Start by asking others for authentic feedback on your
performance. Ask them to sit in on a sales call or
meeting that you’re leading. Ask for one-on-one honest
feedback on their view of you and your performance.
Yes, your ego might get dinged, but you’ll come out of
it a better, stronger leader.
• If you are a formal leader or manager, openly reward
those who demonstrate values of mutual support by
creating a “Wingman of the Quarter” award. It can set