Entry 1 Wind pinning you to the dock
When wind is pushing the boat toward the dock, it tends to do much of the final approach work for you, which means the main risk is coming in too fast rather than too slow, since the wind will carry you the last few feet regardless.
Entry 2 Wind pushing you off the dock
When wind is pushing a boat away from the dock, a slow, tentative approach often fails because the wind simply walks the bow or stern back out before a line can be secured. This situation usually calls for a slightly firmer, more committed approach than instinct suggests.
Entry 3 Reading it before the final approach, not during
Flags, moored boats, and even ripple patterns on the water near the dock all give a read on wind direction and strength before committing to a final approach, which is far better than discovering the wind's effect only once already alongside and struggling.
Entry 4 Questions people ask
Is a fast approach ever actually the safer choice?
When wind is firmly pushing you off a dock, a slightly more committed approach than usual is often safer than a timid one that gets blown off before a line is secured.
How can I tell wind direction near a dock quickly?
Flags, smoke, ripple direction on the water, and the lean of already-moored boats are all quick visual cues.