I was reading a great interview on gawker with one of the Blue Angels, and the Naval Flight Officer talked about the awesome caliber of the team members:

“At the Blues, everyone on the enlisted side is absolutely Sailor of the Year quality. The best of the best. It was very refreshing and rewarding to work with 110 individuals that were all in tune and motivated for the same end-state. There was not a task too small, not a task too large, they just got it done. No follow up required, ever. You ask for something, you need something, and it’s done. Period.”

What struck me is that culture is the type that must be the goal for any team that aspires to be high performing. No wonder military “operators” like these so frequently go on to success in civilian careers (A’s hire A’s).

Image courtesy of Charles Atkeison