CHAPTER 1
Defining the Team

You put together the best team that you can with the players you’ve got, and replace those who aren’t good enough.

—Robert Crandall

Studies suggest teams that perform well have a clear purpose, maintain open communication, and appreciate style diversity. Effective teams also rely on consensus decisions and have the ability to engage in civilized disagreements. On the other hand, team failure can result from a lack of trust among team members, vague assignments, and overbearing authority in a competitive, authoritarian environment.

The Blue Angels, established in 1946, are the epitome of a high-performing team. The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting efforts by acting as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for these military branches. They accomplish this through air performances; skilled pilots wow crowds with awe-inspiring air shows.

A Blue Angels’ flight demonstration exhibits choreographed aerobatic maneuvers that use high-speed, low-altitude performance. Shows usually consist of a four-plane Diamond Formation, in concert with fast-paced, high-performance maneuvers of solo pilots. The show climaxes with the pinnacle of precision flying, performing maneuvers locked in as a unit in the renowned six-jet Delta Formation.

Safety is paramount for every demonstration. Each pilot must complete 120 training flights during winter training to perform a public demonstration. The teamwork required for high-speed, low-altitude flying in tight Blue Angel formation takes hundreds of hours to develop. All maneuvers are both mentally and physically demanding, and they reflect the challenges met daily by fleet Navy and Marine Corps aviators.

Each pilot is responsible for good health and safety; if the Flight Leader/Commanding Officer is grounded for medical reasons, the demonstration is canceled. This is one team that does not rely on backups or stand-ins. The teamwork required for formation flying takes many hours to develop, and a substitute pilot would not have enough time in the formation to perform safely.

Teamwork is vital for the Blue Angels. Without team collaboration, clearly defined roles, and constant communication, tragic missteps can occur. The Blue Angels conduct a Lessons Learned exercise at the end of every performance. They dissect their performance in exhaustive detail for an inordinate amount of time, always seeking opportunities for improvement. Blue Angel pilots capitalize on synergy, strive for perfection, and accept responsibility; they are a team prepared to win.

Although project teams in business today might not face the dire consequences the Blue Angels face when mistakes are made, there is good reason to aspire toward Blue Angel-like team performance. Such performance begins with defining the team.