"My congratulations, Captain. A dazzling display of logic."

Everybody knows there are many leadership lessons from Star Trek; especially in the world of geeks and techies.

Here are five from Grace O’Brien’s post on the “Geek Boss” blog. (No relation to Miles O’Brien, I presume.)

1. Speak to people in their own language
2. Join the away team
3. Have a set of values, and stay true to them
4. Encourage disagreement, ask for advice and embrace diversity
5. Stay hydrated

These are good, but we can recalibrate the sensors and go even deeper, especially as it applies to technical leaders.

• Emotions Count: Emotions can lead to both good and bad decisions. Even Spock did not discount the importance of emotions; especially where humans are concerned. Empathize and don’t lean too hard on logic, because not all questions have a best or right answer dictated by logic. For example, things that feel fair to people often have little to do with logic. Make sure that you’re recognizing the emotional weight in any decision. Empathize. Act to boost positive emotions based on your empathy.
• Explore Beyond the First Option: In many Star Trek episodes, the setup we see hides a more complex issue. As the story unfolds, complications crop up. The leader only moves forward after acknowledging the competing interests or issues. Curiosity and a willingness to explore, and then act, is almost always key to overcoming challenges that aren’t what they appear to be at first glance.
• Handle Challenges with Humility: Picard’s admission to Q that humanity had been a savage species was a point of humility, even early on in the TNG series. A leader has to be willing to face truth with humility, admit mistakes, and–most importantly–take responsibility for what comes next. Navigating one’s way toward the bigger purpose, “How do we all get through this together, using everyone’s perspectives and talents?” is a key feature of Star Trek dilemmas.

Each of these three lessons is more easily handled with the Sage powers from the “thrive” side of the brain. Like any of the best Starfleet leaders acting calmly and decisively in the middle of swirling action, a mentally fit leader is able to handle challenges with positive, laser-focused action.

If I can be permitted a cross-universe reference, it takes mental fitness training to become a Jedi master where these powers become second nature.

But instead of studying for years to achieve the most basic mastery of the Force, thousands of people have been getting results they can see in less than six weeks of app-based training. It takes just 15 minutes a day with these Positive Intelligence™ mental fitness exercises.

Let me know if you are curious about this. I am periodically starting new mental fitness training groups as part of my leadership development programs. If you’d like to participate or get more information, please reply or let’s chat.

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Live long and prosper!

–Steve

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