Gratitude Filled Leadership: The Dogfight

Aerial combat - real or training - pits a man or woman and their machine against others in a life or death endeavor. It is probably the most intense and stimulating flying I’ve ever done. It is filled with decision points based on a plan, and a measured reaction to the opponent’s best efforts to beat me. What was it like flying twenty ton jet aircraft at speeds from 1000 miles per hour down to 120 miles per hour, both extremes holding potential for victory? How do you achieve sweet success when each opponent is poised to breech the operating envelope with their skills and their machine to win?

As an instructor in air combat maneuvering (a Top Gun graduate) I was frankly considered one of the best; winning in older, cheaper, and lesser performing aircraft. Why? Patience: waiting for the opponent to err. My patience was an aggressive patience that forced mistakes; then I saddled up at their six for the simulated kill.

Ultimately though, true success was based on my protégé winning through my teachings and leadership. Winning by using your best attributes, building confidence, and erasing fear.

We often trained in two plane formations because having a wingman was critical to maintaining the most important aspect of tactical advantage…. Situational Awareness (SA). What is the most likely way to lose in aerial combat? The bogie that arrives behind you unseen. A well trained and flown section (two aircraft) provides multiples of SA that can prevent that from happening and lead to victory. Great leadership and superb “wingmanship” create tactical harmony that is nothing short of spectacular!

In business or any team endeavor success is often dependent near total SA. The thrill of victory in daily “dogfights” will be yours with well trained wingpeople and a high level of SA. SA brings alertness to opportunity and to risks: allowing you to adjust the tactical plan while remaining focused on your Centerpoint (subject of another story). And it really doesn’t matter how many wingpeople you have; one, ten or 100. As long as they are aware of the expectations, well trained, well equipped, and have a leader they trust. Those wingpeople will someday be the leaders in this highly competitive world. Watching that happen truly brings Gratitude Filled Leadership. Thrive and enjoy the journey!