Page 98 - Never Fly Solo

BREAK RIGHT! | 71
have that big presentation, and we need a slam dunk to win
the business. Here’s what I think we should do. . . .”
In minutes your trusted wingman has helped you “break
right” and avoid catastrophe. She was a perfect “chase ship”
and didn’t let you hit the ground. You’re back in formation
and on your way to victory, and your boss is all smiles, too.

CALLING ALL WINGMEN

Are you even aware of the wingmen at your office? Perhaps
they’re the ones behind the scenes—unsung heroes quietly
committed to the job and making a difference day in and day
out. Are you backing each other up, checking for missile
launches, and calling out “Break right!” when necessary?
Most important, when your wingmen tell you to break, do
you trust them enough to heed the call? Or do you tend to
question them, doubt their credibility, or even resent them for
advising you what to do? Remember, real leaders accept and
even seek feedback, even though it may not be much fun in
the moment.
Have you ever been in a situation in which you’ve worked
hard for something—a new project at work, a promotion, a
marriage—and one of your wingmen pulls you aside and gen-
tly explains that you aren’t quite ready, perhaps not even
right, for the responsibility? Maybe you were criticized about
some very personal issues or told that to improve your chances
of winning the new client you needed to improve your com-
munication skills, change your professional attire, and even
cut back on your drinking. Your wingman has spotted bogeys
bearing down on you and is warning you to break right before
serious trouble ensues. Is he or she worth listening to?
Although it feels like a personal slap in the face, the choice