Are You Flak Bait?

A True Story:

In a article titled “When the Flak Flies,” the author wrote that some would argue that James J. Farrell was out of his mind. He piloted a B-26 bomber on numerous missions over Europe during World War II. Like all other bomber pilots at the time, Farrell named his plane Flea Bait – after the nickname his brother gave to the family dog. “But after piloting Flea Bait through several hair-raising missions, he decided to change the name. While his squadron’s other planes usually returned to the air base without harm, Farrell’s Flea Bait always seemed to come back looking like Swiss cheese. Enemy anti-aircraft flak guns ripped so many holes in the plan’s body that Farrell renamed his plane Flak Bait.”

(Farrell and crew pictured with Flak Bait.)

According to the information at the National Air and Space Museum, the plane had successfully returned from 207 operational missions, more than any other aircraft during WW II. On a mission alone, over 700 metal splinters from enemy flak fire pierced the plane’s metal. More than 1,000 visible patches over the holes flak made in the Flak Bait. “They were somewhat crazy, but they were also single-mindedly committed to what they did.”  Continuing with the information from the NASM:

The flak never became an excuse to stay on the ground or go AWOL. Instead, handling flak became part of their job. In order to serve his country and complete his mission, he knew he would have to take some flak.

All though a different type of flak, there will be some flak while living a life of leadership. So, how are we – as leaders – to deal with that flak? Are we to go AWOL from our leadership responsibility? Not at all. What can we do? The following points are taken from other sources of which I have taken the liberty to make changes to much of the content. 

Response #1: Be patient and understanding. Those who object to your leadership are typically people who don’t believe they could or should share your vision. They very well could be in the process of reevaluating their own status as followers, or trying to work through your vision. Try to be patient with them.

Response #2: Always have an answer. Know why you are doing what you are doing. It is important to be clear about your vision, your goals. Otherwise, you will find it difficult to defend your actions.  “A lack of clarity repels people.”  Kary Oberbrunner.

Response #3: Ask them for their answer. Many of those who would be the flak have never taken the time to think through “why” they oppose a leader, a vision. Ask them why they are in opposition. This will help you understand them better. 

Response #4: Listen to their objections and search your heart. This is necessary and vitally important. Sometimes the objections of others can be a catalyst for self-examination. They (the objectors) might raise some necessary issues that may set you straight in areas where you think you are strong in, but really are not. 

What goes through your mind as you “take off” on your mission of leadership? Sometimes flying through “enemy territory?” Are you single-mindedly committed to your vision as a leader? Are you using flak – from friend and foe – as an excuse to stay on the ground or go AWOL? Do you see flak as an unavoidable part of your leadership? Questions that you should ask yourself as part of the process of self-examination. 

What are your thoughts? Are you flak bait? I would enjoy reading your comments and interacting with you.