* I wrote this essay on the topic of leadership because this is one area I am focused on in my personal and professional growth. Management duties are changing as I move forward in my career, and leadership skills will be an integral part of my development. I also thought this was a fun topic, one I have thought about a lot in the past but never necessarily communicated and I am happy to turn my scattered thoughts over the years into a somewhat composed opinion on the wisdom of one of my fictional mentors.
It seems every day I get an email at work or see an ad on the internet on how to be an effective leader. I’m sure all these websites and programs have great advice but for me what seems to be most effective for me is watching …show more content…
Commander Data: The vessel is on a collision course. Impact in 36 seconds.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Hail them.
Lieutenant Worf: No response.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Suggestions?
Commander William T. Riker: Decompress main shuttlebay. The explosive reaction may blow us out of the way.
Lt. Commander Data: Captain, I suggest we use the tractor beam to alter the other ship's trajectory.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Make it so, Mr. Worf.
Lieutenant Worf: Engaging tractor beam
Although this is a dramatic example of taking input from your staff, I have used this in the past. A few years ago I directed a summer camp program, and I was working with younger staff members. We had a power issue which was a pretty big deal due to the fact we were a computer camp. I didn’t panic, but I did think to myself how am I going to handle this day with several inexperienced counselors and a classroom full of cranky campers. Instead of giving the CIT’s orders, I asked them for suggestions on how we should handle the day with the campers. They each gave their ideas and then I used some of their suggestions in my final decision. This exercise made them feel as they were part of the solution and they were all happy to move forward and split up tasks to turn the camp day into a great one. I realized after the fact that I had modeled the behavior I appreciated in my favorite character and have since made it a point to allow for suggestions if the situation …show more content…
Cultural differences and language barriers are all real world obstacles that this fictional story tackles. His style was direct and honest but he was also clear and concise. His famous phrase, “Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.” is an example of his direct style of communication that he didn’t just save for the replicator; much to the chagrin of his young ensign Wesley Crusher. However Jean-Luc could also listen and in fact that is one of the traits that made him such a good negotiator. Looking through his Captains personal journal one can find many thoughts about communication. “If one fails to listen to what another is saying one will often fail to properly respond to what is said.” (Roberts & Ross 1995) I have found that not listening is a stumbling block that often occurs in a business environment. People are rushed and often the main focus of conversations can be lost. This is an area I work hard in, listening to what others are saying and trying to understand their point of view. Another comment from this same journal entry dated Stardate 45075.1 is also one that I keep in mind. “To be an effective communicator, you do not always have to agree with other people. However, it is important that you tolerate your differences with them.” (Roberts & Ross
It seems every day I get an email at work or see an ad on the internet on how to be an effective leader. I’m sure all these websites and programs have great advice but for me what seems to be most effective for me is watching …show more content…
Commander Data: The vessel is on a collision course. Impact in 36 seconds.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Hail them.
Lieutenant Worf: No response.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Suggestions?
Commander William T. Riker: Decompress main shuttlebay. The explosive reaction may blow us out of the way.
Lt. Commander Data: Captain, I suggest we use the tractor beam to alter the other ship's trajectory.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Make it so, Mr. Worf.
Lieutenant Worf: Engaging tractor beam
Although this is a dramatic example of taking input from your staff, I have used this in the past. A few years ago I directed a summer camp program, and I was working with younger staff members. We had a power issue which was a pretty big deal due to the fact we were a computer camp. I didn’t panic, but I did think to myself how am I going to handle this day with several inexperienced counselors and a classroom full of cranky campers. Instead of giving the CIT’s orders, I asked them for suggestions on how we should handle the day with the campers. They each gave their ideas and then I used some of their suggestions in my final decision. This exercise made them feel as they were part of the solution and they were all happy to move forward and split up tasks to turn the camp day into a great one. I realized after the fact that I had modeled the behavior I appreciated in my favorite character and have since made it a point to allow for suggestions if the situation …show more content…
Cultural differences and language barriers are all real world obstacles that this fictional story tackles. His style was direct and honest but he was also clear and concise. His famous phrase, “Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.” is an example of his direct style of communication that he didn’t just save for the replicator; much to the chagrin of his young ensign Wesley Crusher. However Jean-Luc could also listen and in fact that is one of the traits that made him such a good negotiator. Looking through his Captains personal journal one can find many thoughts about communication. “If one fails to listen to what another is saying one will often fail to properly respond to what is said.” (Roberts & Ross 1995) I have found that not listening is a stumbling block that often occurs in a business environment. People are rushed and often the main focus of conversations can be lost. This is an area I work hard in, listening to what others are saying and trying to understand their point of view. Another comment from this same journal entry dated Stardate 45075.1 is also one that I keep in mind. “To be an effective communicator, you do not always have to agree with other people. However, it is important that you tolerate your differences with them.” (Roberts & Ross