If you were alive in the late 1980s and mid 1990s, you might remember Jean-Luc Picard. Played by actor Patrick Stewart, Picard was captain of the USS Enterprise in the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series, as well as several movies. What you might not know is that the guy has some pretty sage business advice.
Let me explain.
Last night, I sat on my couch watching 2013's Star Trek: Into Darkness. Kind of lame, I know. I know. But for a nerd like me, it was a pretty decent flick.
It got me thinking about Picard and "The Next Generation" and how that show was, well, always a little too geeky even for my tastes. But then I took to Twitter and thought, heck, I'm gonna search for Jean-Luc Picard and see what turns up. That's when I found @PicardTips.
I don't ususally think twice about most Twitter parody accounts but this one had me reading. And reading. Whoever manages this one shares some surprisingly useful tips on management -- all presumably gleaned from Picard's role as captain on Star Trek.
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After scanning his feed, I've collected 10 of @PicardTips' best nuggets of advice. They're good reminders even for the most serious business person.
Here they are in no particular order:
Picard management tip: The respect you show your crew is a major factor in determining how they feel about their work.
Picard management tip: Tell good stories. The right story can persuade, inspire, or illuminate.
Picard management tip: It is not necessary to agree with the majority. Part of leadership is individuality.
Picard accessorizing tip: Don't overdo it. A little bling goes a long way. pic.twitter.com/Epq748bDc2
Picard management tip: Run crisis drills when all is well. A real calamity is not a good time for training.
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Picard management tip: If you succeed too much and become cocky, recognize it, admit it, and stop it.
Picard management tip: Question authority, and permit others to question yours without fear of punishment.
Picard management tip: Respect and seek to comprehend the viewpoints of people who are very different from you.
Picard perspective tip: Spend some time staring at the stars. It feeds the soul and revives the mind.
Picard ethics tip: Target their weapons.