Competence

Nothing in my personal or business life has even come close to the trust relationship I experienced flying fighters in formation. When I reflect on my military combat experience, there are many lessons that are useful and apply directly to civilian life and business.

The qualifications to be a United States Air Force pilot are rigorous. When you fly fighters, you have to meet all the basic pilot requirements, plus you must be proficient in flying formation. That means you fly a few feet away from another aircraft, sometimes close to the ground, sometimes in the clouds, and sometimes in beautiful blue skies. There is always a lead, and the rest are wingmen. As a wingman, you follow lead, and where lead goes, you go.

The first two critical ...

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