I often think what it takes to be an effective Leader. Here are three styles from Star Trek.

The Picard – Intelligent, diplomatic, careful and thoughtful. You try to find other options to problems than a direct and hostile approach. Arrogant and weak at times.

The Cisco – Fatalistic and believes that what will be will be. Isn’t afraid to do something illegal or bend the rules. Can’t be trusted to complete assignments. Proud and willing to be confrontational.

The Janeway – Questions decisions too often. Creative and seeks novel approaches to problems. Good intuition but fails to follow through. Doesn’t seek collaboration as often as would be helpful. Makes rash decisions.

Clearly if you watch Star Trek all of these captains got the job done. My favorite is Janeway. To me, she is the most responsible person. This isn’t to convince you of her style, but rather to consider your own.

As I have experiences bosses, very few could be considered leaders. To me a leader inspires by their example and behavior. I disagree often with what my bosses do, mostly because they assume they know best about everything, when that clearly isn’t the case.

I think a leader admits that some people are expert in their field, and discusses different perspectives from the experts. They don’t try to override experts decisions and thoughts just because they prefer a different way. I have always appreciated that leaders trust the experience and knowledge of their staff. Too often in IT men’s ego makes them believe that they are the best in everything.

So that is one of the reasons that I like Janeway. She allows people to collaborate in a way that can influence her. Cisco and Picard listen to others, but you always get the feeling that their decision happened before the evidence of the other person. I rarely get the impression that Cisco/Picard are influenced by others.

Nothing wrong with doing things you own way in your personal life, but it is a great waste when you don’t listen to others.

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