A TOPGUN’s Guide to Elite Performance
How to Generate Career Success
While the movie Top Gun epitomizes '80s cool, the real TOPGUN program focuses on teaching vital lessons for managing the pressures of being a fighter pilot, as shared by Commander Guy “Bus” Snodgrass in his video lesson on career strategies.
Generate Success with Talent, Passion, and Personality
In a video lesson, former TOPGUN trainee Guy Snodgrass emphasizes that success as a fighter pilot—and in life—relies on nurturing talent, passion, and personality, which together build credibility, sustain commitment, and enhance influence.
Create a Network of Wingmen
TOPGUN graduate Guy Snodgrass emphasizes the importance of building a supportive network through genuine relationships and early connections, advocating for a mindset of generosity and trust to foster collaboration and mutual assistance.
Open Yourself Up to Feedback
Guy Snodgrass emphasizes the importance of actively seeking targeted feedback on strengths and weaknesses to foster growth and improve performance, encouraging professionals to embrace constructive criticism as a means to meet standards and enhance organizational culture.
Become a Subject Matter Expert
In a video lesson, TOPGUN graduate Guy Snodgrass emphasizes that anyone can become a subject-matter expert by mastering their field, balancing specialization with generalization, and proactively pursuing knowledge through reading, networking, and mentorship.
Influence Others with Effective Communication
In a video lesson, TOPGUN graduate Guy Snodgrass emphasizes the importance of clear communication by advocating for the "Bottom Line Up Front" (BLUF) approach, which prioritizes essential information and fosters consensus among stakeholders to enhance effectiveness and influence.
Boost Your Productivity by Prioritizing Tasks
In this video lesson, former fighter pilot Guy Snodgrass shares three strategies for prioritizing tasks—using the Eisenhower Principle, identifying quick wins, and avoiding burnout—to enhance productivity in any profession.
Keep Yourself and Your Team Calm Under Pressure
In this video lesson, former fighter pilot Guy Snodgrass shares strategies for maintaining composure under pressure, emphasizing that calmness fosters a steady environment, enhances decision-making, and encourages effective communication within teams facing adversity.
Take Control by Anticipating Problems
In this video lesson, TOPGUN graduate Guy Snodgrass emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and scenario analysis to anticipate challenges in life and career, encouraging discussions with experienced mentors to navigate potential setbacks effectively.
Make Your Character Your Calling Card
In the film Top Gun, Iceman critiques Maverick's attitude, highlighting that character and a positive mindset are crucial for success, as emphasized by retired instructor Guy Snodgrass, who advocates for building trust and learning from failures in professional growth.
Top Gun, the popular 1980s American film, chronicles the exploits of officers as they train at the United States Naval Fighter Weapons School (popularly known as TOPGUN). After watching the movie, you may be left with the impression that the best pilots are charismatic, cocksure, and blessed with rockin’, beach-ready bods. But take it from real-life TOPGUN graduate and retired instructor Guy Snodgrass: You need more than attitude and sweet volleyball skills to succeed.
Learning Objectives
- Articulate your core values.
- Prioritize your to-do lists.
- Anticipate and address challenges.
- Communicate critical information quickly and clearly.
- Grow your network.