Captain Janeway is the Ultimate Professional Rebel
These are the three things the Star Trek character can teach you about successful leadership
Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway, captain of the Starfleet’s USS Voyager is my role model and has taught me more about being fearless in business than anybody else.
I recently gave a talk about entrepreneurship at the Ondernemers College about what big companies can learn from startups. Captain Janeway was my inspiration for the talk and is a prime example of a fearless explorer, who rolls up her sleeves when lost in an unknown universe.
Here are the lessons you can learn from her on how to be a successful leader. In my presentation you can find out more about being a frontrunner in bringing about change in your organization.
1. When you’re lost (in a galaxy far, far away), be curious
Captain Janeway found herself 70.000 light years away from earth after her ship got sucked in by a gigantic displacement wave (whatever that is) and ended up in the Delta Quadrant. Returning home was pretty much impossible. She gives herself and her crew a new mission - explore this undiscovered part of the universe, and find out what she can learn from it.
So the next time you find yourself in unknown territory, use your curiosity, start exploring and learning new things.
2. Find great talent in unusual places, like the Delta Quadrant
Immediately after her ship gets sucked far away she encounters an stranded enemy ship, the Maquis. Instead of leaving them behind, she takes them on board and makes them part of the crew. This turned out to be a great way to strengthen her team with new talents, like Lieutenant Chakotay.
In a nutshell, get out of your comfort zone and find talent in unusual places.
3. Stick to the rules, even when you’re 70.000 light years away
Captain Janeway is actually a stickler for following the rules. Although her superiors are extremely far away and have no means to check on her, she stays true to the Starfleet principles. Like never meddling in the internal affairs of other species. Well, except for when lives are in danger of course.
Following the rules can be extremely helpful. Especially when you need to make decisions. Rules give you a tool to evaluate your decisions. Break them when you have to, but never break them just for the sake of breaking them.
As a final note, being a true Trekkie, all I have left to say is: live long and prosper!
Melissa Marijnen is the founder of Professional Rebel, which helps corporates ignite the rebel mind-set in their organization. She is based in Amsterdam, but regularly explores new frontiers to meet frontrunners in business. You can book her for presentations about leadership, entrepreneurship and the rebel mind-set.
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