The document discusses the value of teamwork based on the author's experience flying solo around Australia. While the author initially saw themselves as independent, they came to realize the benefits of accepting help from others. This included assistance with refueling the plane and having wildlife cleared from a runway. The author concludes teamwork provides support that makes goals less stressful and more achievable when working with others rather than completely alone.

1. Pilot your life
Welcome to issue no. 8 of Pilot your life. February 2010
When I flew around the coast of Australia, I had no team behind me,
so I understand the value of teamwork.
“I like to think of myself as an independent person able to do most
things myself.
I had planned and prepared for the trip on my own and even set off on
my own in July 1999. However, because of all this work done in
advance, I was tired before I even started. Not really an ideal way to
begin an adventure.
I soon learnt that if people offered to help me, I accepted their help.
When I landed at Merimbula, on the southern New South Wales coast, I had to refuel the
aircraft from a bowser which required a swipe card – a system which I hadn’t used before.
I asked another pilot to help me and he not only offered to show me how it worked but he
also refuelled the plane for me. Refuelling a high wing aircraft can be a bit awkward because
it involves climbing a ladder while holding a heavy fuel nozzle and hose.
Great to receive the help and be unexpectedly pampered!
At Adel’s Grove, near Lawn Hill National Park, Queensland, the Savannah Guide drove
along the airstrip to encourage the flock of ibis to take flight before I took off. A bird hitting the
propeller or coming through the windscreen was something to be avoided at all costs.
So the Guide’s help was not only invaluable but potentially life saving as well.
It is possible to achieve your goals on your own, depending of course on what your goals
are, but it is better to work as part of a team.
Roulettes, Royal Australian Air Force
It’s less stressful, depressing and lonely, it provides moral and physical support and it also
gives opportunities for tossing around ideas.
I was emulating a flight made by experienced professional pilots who enjoyed the support
provided by a team environment.

2. Pilot your life
Not having a partner, manager or team behind me to share the load was a definite
disadvantage.
However, to compensate for what I didn’t have, I did learn to ask for help.
Even if you don’t have an official team around you, treat those who help you as part of your
team. The offer of assistance benefits both the giver and the receiver and most people are
only too willing to help, just ask.
Teamwork is extremely powerful – Together Everyone Achieves More.”
(Excerpt adapted from How to pilot your life and navigate your way to success © Fran West 2008)
Teamwork at its best, Avalon Air Force Base, Victoria
So, another great tip for how to pilot your life (personal or business) is:
Ask for help when you need it
It’s great to be independent but most people are only too willing to help, just ask.
Teamwork is extremely powerful
Together Everyone Achieves More
Two of my presentation topics are:
Teamwork
How to pilot your life and navigate your way to success
For an example of teamwork at its best email me at fran@franwest.com and I'll send you a
photo which you can use as your desktop wallpaper.
Visit: www.franwest.com and http://au.linkedin.com/in/franwestau

3. Pilot your life
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Australia's Life Pilot
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