Page 99 - Never Fly Solo

72 | NEVER FLY SOLO
you make in that moment is critical: heed the call and avoid
getting shot down, or ignore it and risk major disaster.
Being a wingman is all about trust. Trust yourself first,
then your team. Trust implies mutual respect, confidence, and
compassion. Not everyone can be your wingman, and that’s
why you must choose carefully. After all, who wants to take
criticism from someone we don’t trust?
Being a wingman also implies shared responsibility. When
you hear “Break right!” you not only need to listen carefully
(and act), you need to be willing to call it out as well. This
takes more courage than you might think. But if you really
care about someone and consider her your wingman, you
have to do what’s right to help this person grow. After all, no
one likes to give unfavorable feedback, tell someone he has a
problem, or take the keys from a friend who shouldn’t be
driving. But consider the potential cost to your wingman if
you don’t act.

MUTUAL SUPPORT LEADS TO MISSION SUCCESS

Every day, you are placed in situations in which you might
need wingmen to help you gain perspective and fly more
effectively. Wingmen help you with perspective because it’s
easy to get so focused on a project, or so comfortable with
your habits, that you lose sight of the big picture. You can be
flying with blinders on without ever knowing it—not a great
situation when the missiles start coming.
A good wingman will recognize when you aren’t function-
ing at the highest level of performance. Why? Because they
know you and they care. They see your blind spots and give
you some perspective when your vision is limited. A good
wingman won’t hesitate to call out “Break right!” to help you