Alertness OverviewAre You Ready?Attentiveness refers to a person's focus on a specific responsibility, such as operating a riveting machine. Alertness, however, refers to a person's awareness of circumstances beyond that immediate focuscircumstances which may modify the situation, such as a supply shortage, machine maintenance, or technological advances.Alertness to surrounding circumstances gives us warning of approaching dangers and notice of emerging opportunities. Careless individuals are frequently caught by surprise and overwhelmed by problems they could have resolved if only the problem had not gone unnoticed for so long.Index InformationOur minds create a general list of objects and opportunities that pass within reach of our attention. However, we can give conscious attention to only a relative few of these, so many details are either ignored or filed away in memory.Alertness makes effective use of this natural "information indexing." It is exercising our ability to notice and file away information for future reference as needed.Get InvolvedWhen driving, we may run out of gas if we do not periodically glance at our fuel gauge. Eventually, these glances become second nature.Similarly, we must develop alertness to each area for which we are responsible. Knowing how to stay involved and recognizing which areas need support are important aspects of alertness.Respond to NeedsThere are needs all around us, constantly vying for our attention. In the midst of this, we must distinguish between the most important and the most pressing needs.It is dangerous to respond only to the most pressing needs and overlook others. Work demands may become so demanding that a parent neglects the needs of children. When these needs at home finally "explode," work responsibilities may then go unattended, resulting in damage in every area of life.Once you are alerted to needs within your jurisdiction, take responsibility to address them. Since you cannot address every need at once, prioritize and begin responding to each one as systematically as possible.Alertness does not require omniscience, but it does require constant awareness and disciplined preparation. Develop alertness in your life and practice it every day

Five Keys to Building Alertness(Download a PPT for presenting the Key Concepts)1. Anticipate ObstaclesWe must consciously develop alertness by understanding the goal, anticipating potential challenges, and determining beforehand how we will respond to those challenges. From this perspective, we can quickly recognize which areas need attention. Further, by determining what to do before the pressure comes, we lessen our chance of making impulsive decisions that could bring an undesirable outcome.2. Connect Signals With MeaningEvery part of life is affected by the other parts of life. It is not enough to know what is taking place right here, right now. A construction worker needs to be aware of those working around him, not just on his or her own task. Company leaders must maintain awareness to new needs and opportunities in the industry, not just new needs in their special niche. Parents need to notice events in the neighborhood around their home, not just events in their home. Be constantly alert to distant signals of danger or opportunity, rather than limiting your focus strictly to matters immediately at hand.3. Tell Those AffectedWhen we know of a situation that will involve others, we should communicate it! We show alertness to an issue by noting its development, and we show alertness to the needs of others by spreading the word. Whether it is putting up a wet floor sign or warning those around us before starting a noisy machine, alertness requires us to identify and notify those affected4. Act ImmediatelyTomorrow's alertness will be conditioned by our actions today. Acting on right priorities today will enhance our alertness to those priorities tomorrow. Failing to heed warnings today can result in failure to hear warnings tomorrow. Instead of ignoring problems or procrastinating, we must take responsibility to develop a constructive response. Alertness in every area becomes harder when we procrastinate in any area. We may not be able to resolve a situation immediately, but we can establish patterns of alertness by beginning the process.5. Take Time to AnalyzeLearn from life. Seek to understand information gained from study and experience. It is not enough to merely witness an event, opportunity, or trendalertness requires us to see applications and comprehend their implications. This practice provides valuable insights into successes and failures that can help us respond to future situations

Alertness Application Discussion QuestionsBreak into small groups and allow each group to discuss one of these questions before sharing their answers and personal applications with everyone else.1. What benefits have you seen from anticipating obstacles before they surface?2. What important signals does your department or organization watch for every day?3. What is the difference between alertness and nosiness in the affairs of others?4. What effects have you experienced from procrastination?5. How have you applied information gained from past experiences

Word Etymologya-lert-ness n 1: the state of being watchful and prompt to meet danger or an emergency 2: being quick to perceive and act 3: being in a state of readiness.In sixteenth-century Italy, the military call, "Alla erta!" meant "To the lookout!" The French adapted this command as l` airte, which later became its own word: allerte. It is from this form that the English word alert is derived.1. What is the difference between alertness beyond my jurisdiction and nosiness in the affairs of others?2. Do you suppose a person automatically thinks of all the right things to do in an emergency? How does a person train himself or herself to consider all the possible ramifications in a crisis?3. What are some of your personal interests? How do these affect your alertness4. To what areas of responsibility or to what people in your life do you want to be more alert? How might you give these a higher priority rating by your actions today?5. When do you take time to think about the lessons of each day? How can you make your review time more focused and fruitful?

Alertness in BalanceTake ResponsibilityAlertness is complemented by responsibility: "knowing and doing what is expected of me." Once you connect the signals and piece together the situation, respond to it. If you witness an accident, the responsible action is to stop and offer to give a statement or report the accident. Whether in the car, on the job, or at home, it is irresponsible to observe a problem and ignore it.Use DiscretionDiscretion is "recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences." Communicating concerns to the wrong people or in the wrong manner may cause more damage than saying nothing. When you have information to communicate, consider carefully who should receive it.Exercise CautionAlertness is strengthened when exercised with cautiousness: "knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions." An alert neighbor might discern that a friend is discouraged. To be most effective, however, the neighbor waits for the right opportunity to ask a caring question and offer a listening ear. Sometimes the right time is now, but determining the right time will always require sensitivity to others needs and feelings.

Leadership TipsOur minds can give attention to only so much information in a day. Nevertheless, the more responsibility a person shoulders, the more details that accompany that responsibility.Alertness is like peripheral vision. It keeps you aware of your surroundings while you focus on one particular object.Alert leadership is much like sitting at a control panel covered with dials. As the number of dials increases, the leader needs to know how to quickly scan all the dials to notice if something is either alarmingly wrong or unusually right.Through well-developed alertness, we can focus our attention productively on the greatest needs, while remaining alert to new developments.

Keys to ProductivityWith greater responsibility comes a larger volume of information to manage. Therefore, alertness is of particular importance for leaders.Leaders must be alert to everything within their jurisdictions and any outside factors that could affect their jurisdictions.On an assembly line, each person is responsible for a step in the process. An assembly line worker must show alertness to the step before and the step after his or her own. The assembly line supervisor, however, is responsible for equipping each crewmember, ensuring all parts of the process work together, and maintaining the quality of the final product.Thus, the supervisors alertness must cover the entire process and reach into related processes such as raw materials and packaging. While not responsible for obtaining raw materials or shipping, understanding the procedures, needs, working speeds, etc., of surrounding departments can provide useful information for the supervisor's own area.Know what areas and people you have responsibility for. Know how to notice needs or developing problems. These habits eventually become subconscious, allowing a leader to efficiently care for others welfare and achieve project goals.Through well-developed alertness, we can focus our attention productively on the greatest needs, while remaining alert to new development.

Employee TipsBe Alert to Changing PrioritiesPriorities constantly shift. You may be stocking shelves when a customer walks by in search of something. At that point, the customers need becomes the priority. If the fire alarm sounds, your priority changes again. Similarly, it is critical to remain aware of the changing needs within your area of responsibility. Some practical ways to identify priorities include: Determine the necessary time frame for completing each project. Communicate with supervisors, team members, and customers to identify needs and how to effectively meet them. Give your supervisor regular status reports so that he or she has the opportunity to change direction if needed. Recognize the value of details and take appropriate initiative. Consider whether you are the right person for the job. Are you authorized to do the job? Are you invading another persons area of responsibility?

Praise and AlertnessOften the most meaningful words of encouragement are those which were not prepared ahead of time. Carefully prepared commendations can be a powerful form of encouragement. However, your spontaneous comments will reveal your genuine appreciation for good character.Following are some examples of how character can be spontaneously praised: As phone messages are handed to a manager just returning from a meeting he glances at them and remarks, "I appreciate the way you capture the essence of these calls and take down critical details. It helps me know how to prepare before returning the call." Walking out of a customer site, two repairmen board their truck, and one says to the other, "That was a tough job. I was completely stumped until you noticed that tiny stress fracture."In both these examples, the quality of alertness was not named, but the context clarified what was being praised. Saying "I appreciate your alertness" does not necessarily communicate the genuine feeling, "I am grateful for your commitment to details."When a character quality is named, the context or the speaker must define the term. Say, "Thanks for being alert to pick up on the details I missed."You could compliment someone who completes a project requiring good hand-eye coordination by saying, "Good job. That took an unusual degree of alertness." In this example, the project itself provided a context that defined alertness.Encourage character by praising those who exhibit it. However, avoid using cookie-cutter statements or empty terminology. Be alert to opportunities for spontaneous praise.

Alertness On the JobKnowledge and ResponseWorkplace safety often depends on disciplined preparation. No amount of agility can compensate for a hard hat or eye protection once a projectile starts in your direction.Similarly, we must understand the processes and relationships around us and know when we need to take specific action. This preparation puts us in a position to alertly respond to situations as they develop. Otherwise, we will have to make reactive decisions without adequately considering the processes involved or the possible consequences.1. Anticipate Obstacles Develop a clear mental picture of the project's costs and benefits so that you recognize the need to adjust when variables change. Learn to anticipate possible objections and prepare to overcome them with gracious persuasion. Explain the benefits of a particular goal or idea in ways that others understand. Avoid doing something contrary to that which you have already determined is right.2. Connect Signals With Meaning When beginning a project, determine what you will watch for to monitor the successes and failures of your endeavor. Be aware of developments in other departments, organizations, and fields so that you can anticipate and adapt to changes. Recognize cause and effect relationships. Do not, however, assume things are connected solely because they coincide.

3. Tell Those Affected Always be aware of the people and things in and around your work area. Take time to consider how situations you encounter will affect others. Ask permission before starting a task that will affect another person's work space, schedule, or responsibilities. When your activities may pose a danger to others, post warning signs for those moving in and out of your work area.4. Act Immediately Even when you cannot immediately resolve an issue, take immediate steps to begin dealing with it and do not forget to revisit it. Develop a system for dealing with issues in an orderly manner. 5. Take Time to Analyze When you hear or read an interesting or applicable thought, take time to develop the idea. Make notes of your thoughts. Take ten or fifteen minutes after meetings to digest observations.When workers wear protective gear, post warning signs, or follow safety procedures, they prepare themselves for foreseeable dangers. This preparation allows them to fulfill their responsibilities by establishing a certain pattern of response and reducing the possibility of injury

Alertness in RelationshipsTake Time to InvestAlertness is most important and most difficult when we are around those closest to us. Sadly, the constant presence of family members can condition us to ignore them. However, we communicate our esteem for others by the consideration we show them when we are busy with other projects.Beware of DangerNumerous hazards confront us daily, but we do not think about them as long as their potential is not realized. Alertness recognizes dangers and helps to prevent hazardous situations. Parents can avoid storing kitchen knives or household chemicals in areas where small children play. When someone is allergic to dust, others show alert consideration by keeping dusty objects out of the house.Be Aware of NeedsThis awareness also extends to needs that are not communicated. When others show signs of hurt or discouragement, we may need to ask gentle, probing questions, or we may need to give them time to sort out their feelings. Whatever the case, we must be alert to both verbal and nonverbal expressions of needs.When we practice this awareness of other people, our attitudes make the difference between honest concern and nosy condescension. A friend focuses on the other person and his or her interests, not on gathering information, nagging, or changing the other persons behavior.Practical Applications of Alertness Consider what your activities and appearance communicate. Realize that certain activities could weaken others trust. Look for and praise the ways family members display good character. Do not allow otherwise harmless activities to become so consuming that they displace the important priorities in your life. Use preventative maintenance with cars, household appliances, and personal health.

Alertness for KidsWatch the Signs!Traffic signs and signals teach us to respond immediately when we see warning signals. Learn what each road sign means and discuss how a driver or person walking should respond to each one.If drivers are not alert to guide signs, they might not arrive at their destination.If they do not notice speed limit or school zone signs, they might hurt others. If they ignore warning signs, they might drive too fast around an unexpected curve.Discuss how alertness in everyday life keeps us safe.For Parents:At home, children can construct their own traffic signs using coffee stirrers, cardboard, marker pens, and hardening clay. Encourage your children to practice alertness when they play with their toy cars or ride their bicycles.

Alertness for TeensAsk Good QuestionsTrain yourself to ask questions about what you read, listen to, or watch. What is being implied? What is the author assuming about the situation or person he or she is writing about? Look for evidence that the authors for their conclusions. What questions do you have about what they are saying?Write down your thoughts about the books you read and talk with a parent, older sibling, grandparent, or teacher who can discuss your ideas with you. Talking about it will help you see, learn, and understand much more and help you remember what you have learned.Listen to others carefully when they speak. Ask questions when they have finished talking and when you do not understand

Averting DisasterKate ShelleyFifteen-year-old Kate Shelley was helping her mother clean up after dinner as the tempest of July 6, 1881, raged outside their farm near Boone, Iowa.Kate listened carefully for sounds of distress from the barn. If Honey Creek continued to rise, the animals could be in jeopardy. Frequent lightning flashes enabled her to glance out the window and reassure herself that all was well.When she heard something clanking in the distance, Kate remembered the railroad track running along the creek. On stormy nights, a railroad crew would check the tracks ahead of the late-night train.Recognize Larger ImplicationsSuddenly, Kate heard a loud crack followed by the sound of timbers creaking and snapping and a bell ringing wildly. Kate immediately realized that the bridge had collapsed and the engine had fallen into Honey Creek! Kate's mother remained with the children while Kate ran out to see if the men were safe.Wet and out of breath, Kate emerged from the woods where the railroad crossed the creek. She gasped. The tracks extended out over the creek and ended abruptly.Leaning over with her lantern held high, Kate called through the howling wind. Faint replies told her there were survivors, but they were trapped amid the rising waters.Respond ImmediatelyTurning on her heels, Kate ran along the track toward the station at Moingona. She had not run far when she came to the trestle spanning the Des Moines River. Without wasting a moment, she began to crawl across. Grasping the slippery rails and ties as she advanced, Kate could see the raging waters rushing beneath her.Cold, wet, and weary, she made it to the other side and continued running. She had to reach the station! Several wide-eyed attendants looked up as she burst through the door. The drenched girl exclaimed that the bridge was out and collapsed on the floor.The men removed Kate's wet hat and coat and lifted her to a chair. When she was able to speak again, she explained that the railroad crew was trapped in the rising creek and asked if it was too late to stop the midnight passenger train.Several men grabbed rain gear and headed into the night to rescue the crew trapped in Honey Creek. Another man grabbed a lantern and ran out onto the platform. If the train had already passed Ogden, he would signal it to stop. The telegraph operator jumped to his keypad and began tapping: STOP EXPRESSBRIDGE OUTSTOP EXPRESS. He hoped that the Ogden Station would hold the train at its last scheduled stop.Rewards of AlertnessManeuvering a lone engine to the edge of Honey Creek, the rescue party reached the wreck and successfully retrieved the weary survivors. The midnight express, carrying over two hundred passengers, was intercepted, and scores of lives were saved that night because of one girl's alert initiative.Kate Shelley was recognized for her heroism with a medal from the state of Iowa, a scholarship, a lifetime railroad pass, and other honors. A Chicago newspaper raised money to pay off the Shelley's farm mortgage, and the bridge rebuilt over the Des Moines River in 1901 bears the name Kate Shelley.

Points to Ponder: How can you prepare for greater responsibilities by making alertness a habit in little things? What can you do to make the effort to find a better to deal with a situation?

Lessons From The Ring-Necked PheasantThe pheasant has been called the most sly fowl a hunter and his dog ever faced. It will sit silent and unseen in the tall grass, intently listening. When it feels threatened, the pheasant can run well, staying low and weaving right and left to evade pursuers. If this escape plan does not work, the pheasant will "explode" straight into the air, often startling its pursuer enough to win precious getaway time.Because of its evasiveness, the pheasant became a favorite game bird of the ancient Greeks and Romans. As the Roman Empire spread, pheasants were transplanted into new locations, readily adapting to almost every new territory, climate, and sportsman they encountered.In the late nineteenth century, turkeys, ruffed grouse, and other North American game birds were nearing extinction. When a small number of pheasants were introduced in Oregon, their adaptability and reproductive efficiency allowed them to quickly multiply. Thus, the pheasant took some of the hunting pressure off their native feathered friends and gave hunters a new challenge.The Pheasant Radar SystemDuring World War I, several species of birds were enlisted to assist the war effort, including homing pigeons and the parrots at the Eiffel Tower. Not as well-knownbut equally as usefulpheasants served with particular distinction by giving early warning. Not only were pheasants alert with their sharp ears, but they could also detect the slightest vibrations through the ground, such as the footfall of distant armies or the pounding of artillery.On January 24, 1915, a flock of pheasants reportedly "shrieked themselves hoarse," raising alarm over the naval battle at Dogger Bank, 216 miles away.Pheasants Guard Their AlertnessThe pheasant's ear holes are covered with small feathers called auriculars. These auricular feathers cover the bird's ears without obstructing the bird's hearing.Most bird feathers have hundreds of tiny barbules on each barb. These barbules hook together much like Velcro, bonding the separate barbs of a feather into a surface that is flexible and virtually impervious to water and air. The auriculars that cover the pheasant's ear holes, however, do not have these barbules. Thus, they protect the ears from injury, but they do not obstruct sound waves from traveling to the ears.If the auricular feathers ever do muffle a pheasant's hearing, the pheasant can raise the feathers over its ears to allow maximum alertness for the slightest sounds.

The Ring-Necked Pheasant in ActionAnticipateAnticipation and avoidance are the pheasant's best means of defense against its adversaries. However, parasites are not so easy to escape. To overcome these "obstacles," the pheasant takes regular dust baths.ConnectThe pheasant has excellent vision, acute hearing, and keen sensitivity to vibrations. Since a pheasant notices approaching danger and connects the various signals to determine their meaning, it is rarely startled.TellA male pheasant declares the boundary of its territory. It is not associated with any one brood but responds to the alarm cries of all. As such, they are known for their ready response to signs of danger.ActWhen the pheasant is cornered, it takes off with a sudden burst of feathers. Its powerfully short, broad wings equip the pheasant for quick escapes. This action is the last resort the pheasant uses to escape predators

Character TodayThe Stakes Are HighDoctors at a university hospital had to give a second heart-lung transplant to a 17-year-old girl. The original donor's blood type did not match, and the girl's immune system quickly rejected the first heart-lung set.This mistake lowered the girl's first-year survival chance, wasted organs that might have saved one of nearly 200 patients still on the heart-lung transplant list, and tarnished the reputations of many innocent people. The university hospital established further safeguards to prevent similar mistakes in the future, but the damage had already occurred in this case.A truck driver took his eyes off the road as he reached for the cellular phone he had dropped. By the time he looked up again, he could not avoid rear-ending a school bus. The impact killed a 5-year-old girl, seriously injured the girl's mother, and sent the bus careening through some front yards. Alertness could have prevented this tragic death and spared the truck driver criminal charges.Few human errors provoke stronger reaction or have more immediate repercussions than medical mistakes or automobile accidents. However, the details of ordinary pursuits from stocking shelves to wiring houses also require alertness.We train our minds to see by establishing what is important and understanding what response the situation requires. This process allows us to respond quickly when necessary and avoid needless distractions.Our eyes, ears, skin, and other sensory organs collect and send signals through the nervous system to our brains. Inside our brain stems, a small, complex system of nerves called the reticular activating system (RAS) filters and prioritizes incoming signals so that we are not barraged with too much sensory information.It is difficult to determine exactly how the RAS "knows" which signals are important. Novelty appears to be one factor. A new, strange, or unusual sight or sound often receives immediate attention. How we have responded to something in the past also seems to influence the priority our minds will give to that thing. Thus, the signals we immediately act upon will get more attention when we next encounter them.Hospitals can encourage alertness among their staff by establishing guidelines for verifying the identity of donated organs. A trucker could practice alertness by keeping his eyes on the road while driving. A heavy equipment operator demonstrates alertness by carefully checking engine oil and hydraulic fluid levels each day and by watching out for overhead electrical lines or other obstacles. A parent demonstrates alertness by taking time to observe the unspoken needs of his or her child.Whatever your responsibilities, discipline yourself to see what is important

InspirationsMore Than a Cup of TeaWhen you walk through the front door of Inspirations Gifts, Dcor and Tea Room, you immediately sense the peaceful and elegant atmosphere. You can browse the gift areas or sit down to enjoy one of Inspirations signature trios and flavored tea, but most of all you sense the attention to detail.Larry and Tamara Rhoads opened Inspirations in February 2005 in order to encourage faith, family, and friends. The tea room serves 800 to 1000 guests each week.The following year, the Rhoads opened the Two Hearts Inn bed-and-breakfast. At Two Hearts Inn we focus on providing married couples a unique getaway experience where they can relax, renew, and rekindle, Larry said. We keep our focus on who our target customers are and how we can best serve their needs.Communicate Your VisionEach morning before Inspirations opens, the Rhoads hold a five-minute meeting with most of their staff. They discuss the months character quality and cover other important issues. For example, on the Tuesday after spring break, Larry thanked the team for their extra effort during an especially busy week.Alertnessbeing aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responsesis important for everyone at Inspirations. We constantly are watching, listening, and asking our employees and customers, How was everything? Larry said. Then, each employee must know how to respond to needs as they arise.

Give Attention to DetailsMr. and Mrs. Wotring visit Inspirations every Tuesday for the good food, service, and atmosphere. He is a retired minister and marriage counselor; she is a retired educator. The experience they enjoy is no accidentit results from careful preparation and character-based service.Larry gives personal attention to guests in an effort to ensure each has a good experience, and Tamara sees that every plate that leaves the kitchen looks like its ready for my mom.Each server must be alert to the needs of other servers as well as their customers. Servers help one another make tea, and kitchen workers sort dishes at busy times so that servers can focus on their guests. This teamwork provides quality and consistency, which contributes to the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.Stay Alert to NeedsLarry remembers when server Emily Blaess noticed a guest feeling unwell. Blaess had a coworker call emergency services while she stayed with the guest. Apparently the lady had a reaction to a change in medication, resulting in symptoms similar to a heart attack, Larry said. The husband called back later in the day, wanting to thank us for the special care we gave to his wife. The servers alertness to the situation and quick response helped alleviate a potential crisis.

Building Character Brings SuccessFor businesses to succeed, employees must be alert to customer needs and take the right actions to meet them. Those who develop alertness to serving others will greatly improve their future success, Larry said. Alertness promotes a culture that benefits the individual and the company.Find the Right PeopleLarry stresses the significance of having employees whose character reinforces the company culture. To help him select the right people, Larry has prospective employees fill out a basic application and a character-based application. These forms help Larry conduct the interview and discern the applicants character.We look for a desire to serve with a desire to learn, Larry said, everything else pales in significance.

Questions with Larry Rhoads:How do employees practice Alertness?We constantly are watching, listening, and asking our employees and customers, "How was everything?" We truly listen and care. We commonly ask, "Are you here for a special occasion?" or "Is there something else I can get for you?" or "What can we do better next time?" Two Hearts Inn Inspirations Gifts, Decor, and Tea Room "Intown Getaway" Edmond OutlookWe try to let customers know we hear their concerns and are committed to improving in the future.With Two Hearts Inn, we focus on providing married couples a unique get-away experience where they can renew, rekindle, and relax. We keep our focus on who are target customers are and how we can best serve their needs. The occasions normally involve wedding nights, anniversaries, birthdays, and gifts of encouragement. People seem to really value what we provide.

What are some benefits of alertness?Young people who develop alertness to serving others in a business setting will greatly improve their future success. Being able see what is taking place around them is the only way they will be able to have the right response.Too many young people today focus almost entirely on themselves instead of seeing the needs of others. After all, most successful businesses see a need and seek to meet that need

The Lighter Side of AlertnessMissing Something?A fellow stopped at a rural gas station to fill his tank and buy a soft drink. After pumping gas, he leaned against his car to drink his soda and watch a couple of men working along the roadside.One man would dig a hole two or three feet deep, walk about 25 feet, and begin digging again. The other man came along behind and filled the hole, carefully smoothing it out and leaving a slight ridge around the circumference."Excuse me," the fellow said. "What are you doing?""We're working," replied the second man."But one of you is digging a hole and the other is filling it in. What are you accomplishing?""You don't understand, mister," said the first man as he leaned on his shovel and wiped his brow. "Normally there's three of us: me, Joe, and Mike here. I dig the hole, Joe sticks in the tree, and Mike puts the dirt back.""Yea," said Mike. "Just because Joe is sick, doesn't mean we can't work, does it?"Alertness recognizes how our work fits into the process and contributes to the overall goal. We waste a lot of quality effort when we become too wrapped up in the details of a particular job and miss the larger picture

Picture ThisBriefly SpeakingAs the briefing before a mission alerts pilots to hazards and objectives, the debriefing after the mission reviews oversights, insights, and feedback for planning the next mission.U.S. Navy Blue Angels offer a spectacular demonstration of finely honed precision. Each pilot reviews minute details before and after each flight. When flying in tight formation, the pilots alertness is crucial to successful coordination, making the difference between a thrilling display and a horrifying disaster