Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of Industry?

Instead of entering the age-old debate of which Star Trek captain is the best, I am examining each in the light of how they would measure up as a corporate CEO.  In this third installment, I will be looking at the pros and cons of working at a company "captained" by Star Trek's Jean-Luc Picard; having already put Captain James T. Kirk under the microscope. 

Picard's style of leadership might most be termed as patriarchal in nature.  As the oldest of the captains of the Enterprise, it isn't surprising that he became a father figure to his crew- and to the viewers.  Picard seemed to believe the old adage that familiarity breeds contempt because he kept a firm, arm's length between himself and the men and women who served under him.  However, his approach did not come across as cold and indifferent, but rather the unshakable confidence of an experienced leader.  So, while his crew would hardly be chummy with him, they would feel that they could come to him for advice and help on any issue.

The Next Generation's captain was much more cautious and pedantic than the other captains; probably due to his age, his nature, and the era to which he was born.  He was more intent on maintaining the final frontier than exploring it and tended to be inflexible and a little too wrapped up in himself and his image. However, Picard certainly loved his ship and his crew; and was willing to lay down his life for either. 

In the business world, Picard's leadership style would make for a pleasant work atmosphere, but might not inspire the loyalty that Kirk would.  Like children are prone to do, his employees might decide to eventually leave home to make a name for themselves, but he seems the type to be willing to help further their career, even if it means working for the competition.  He would most likely guide the company on the safest path, rather than taking innovative risks; so his workers would probably have job security but his company would be unremarkable.  Overall, working under Picard in the corporate world, would be a safe (if dull) job.  And honestly, when it comes to earning a living, that isn't such a bad thing.

The Captains of Star Trek

Like many Americans, my  first introduction to the world of science fiction was through the fantastically popular Star Trek franchise.  Being of a certain age, my "first contact" was with the explorers of the original Trek series.  For those of that generation, it truly was a brave, new world that Roddenberry served up to us.  One that our parents just didn't seem to get.

Since those early days of Captain James T. Kirk, we have had the pleasure of exploring the universe with four other Star Trek captains (yes, I include Benjamin Sisko; even though he "captained" a space station rather than a starship). Recently those five captains met at Comic Con in Philadelphia; together for the first time ever.

The event got me to thinking.  We often debate about the merits of each captain and are quick to express our opinion about who we would want to serve under on a starship. The personalities of each are uniquely their own and each one brings his own distinctive style of leadership to the bridge.  The merits and shortcomings of each captain have been dissected and discussed ad nauseam and I would have little that is new to add to that debate.

However, another question did occur to me.  Given their diverse styles of leadership, exactly how would that translate into the real world of today?  In other words, if each of these captains were placed in management positions in an office, which would make the better boss?

Over the next few weeks, I am going to examine each of the captains in this light; objectively (as much as is possible) looking at the strengths and weaknesses that they would bring to the corporate world. At the end of that time, I'll have a poll available and you (my readers) can decide which captain you would want at the helm of your company.

I hope that you will join me each week as we journey through the psyches of the Star Trek captains. Engage!