As a fighter pilot and combat-proven flight lead, one of the very last things I’d say to my wingmen before stepping to our jets was “When in doubt, always honor the Wingman Contract.” The Wingman Contract represents the gentleman’s handshake and the gentlewoman’s agreement that says: this is our culture and our standards of behavior. It’s an inherent, and often unspoken, promise to each other that our actions will always represent the mission, the professional standards, and the values of the whole team. Adherence to the Wingman Contract enables every member of a team, regardless of their level of responsibility and authority, to make agile, decisive, and independent, decisions that always align with a team’s goals and collective best interest. Does your company have a Wingman Contract? What does it mean to you?
