“There are some places in the universe that you don’t go alone.” That’s one
of the tag-lines from the trailer for one of my favorite movies, “Alien”.
Although I’m not usually drawn to scary movies, I have to admit that anytime the Aliens movies are on TV, I can’t help but tune in and I’m scared every time (yes, I watched it with the light on). While recently watching Alien for the 57th time, however, I couldn’t help but think about how important team building is to successfully handle frustrating, scary and emotion-charged (though not necessarily life-and-death) situations, especially in business. That tag-line I mentioned at the outset is very true regarding one’s journey toward success in business – it will not able if you try to be a one-woman or one-man show – you need a good team. Not everyone is built to handle certain tasks so it’s important to know your crew’s individual abilities before assigning tasks when possible. Check out how a few key characters from Alien measured up while trying to survive and escape an alien-infested planet:
Ripley - After a series of events including an adrift space vessel, quibbling
and deceit among politicians, military orders and eager scientists Ripley is
propelled into role a Commanding Officer and must lead a mission to investigate, survive deadly super-beings. She quickly learns leadership tactics and and usage of serious firepower to ensure her survival and rescue of possible survivors. This is a woman you want at the helm – a doer who leads by example with workable solutions.
Newt – A little girl and lone survivor on the planet yet despite her
traumatized state she continuously displayed tenacity, wit, courage, and
optimism – even shaming some of the trained professionals who lacked her spunk. Such qualities can be found in a young mentor or student who are energetic, curious, and teachable.
Hicks – He was originally acting under the supervision of a previous inept
Lieutenant who was them replaced by Ripley. Now, after Ripley ousts the
unskilled Lieutenant with her demonstration of resolve, focus, action, and
selflessness, Hicks is all too happy to train her in using serious firepower and machinery, and building their defense against their alien pursuers. It become apparent, however that a romantic interest is budding between them. Hicks can be your go-to guy for resources, and a reliable and loyal support however use caution and prudence when venturing to mix business with pleasure.
Burke – A corporate salesman whose own greedy interests are he only concern – alien specimens obtained and returned from the planet translated into big bucks. His greed and deceit led to his eventually demise. When considering including partners in your business, due diligence is paramount and takes steps to fully understand their direct involvement in any serious decisions that impact your money, constituency or brand.
Bishop – A highly intelligent, and morally evolved synthetic being, an
android, who is assigned to support the Marines. Although Ripley is initially
sceptical of his functionality, he proves to be honest, reliable and
self-sacrificing, saving her life, Newt’s and Hicks’. In team building,
sometimes, people who are considered underdogs, overlooked, undervalued, or ignored are often the very geniuses, saviors, and innovators that we need and celebrate today. These may not be seen in photos, red carpets or may not be trendsetters but greatly affect your business often in support roles or other non-glamorous jobs that they happily perform with skill.
Hudson – Cowardice and groundless scepticism is like rust and can be very
dangerous. Hudson was a Marine who had very few positive or productive things to say and simply annoyed people. It’s a wonder how he managed to survive in service for so long and no one really wanted to be around him. These times of people on your team must be dealt with swiftly to either address the root of their concerns with them directly or remove them and their potentially contagious attitude.
Vasquez – Despite her short stature, she is a bold and fearless gunner who
can handle her own and yours, and a loyal comrade. Displaying an occasional rebellious and zealous streak she means business and ready at a moment’s notice – even with her own life. She epitomizes a trusted confidant, more than a mere chatting acquaintance, a “ride or die”, got your back when everyone turns theirs, truest friend. Every successful person will likely have an innumerable amount of admirers, followers, peers, supporters however, they will have very few real friends – as it should be – who are there through all phases of your
best and your worse.
So, even though you may not be stranded on a planet being relentlessly
pursued by intelligent, super-strong, and acid blood, vicious aliens (though
some business scenarios seem that way) it is imperative for the sake of your
peace of mind, longevity, reputation, profit, and even your home life that you pick and manage your team wisely.
“Stay Frosty!” (Hick)
Da-Nel Euwings ©2012
of the tag-lines from the trailer for one of my favorite movies, “Alien”.
Although I’m not usually drawn to scary movies, I have to admit that anytime the Aliens movies are on TV, I can’t help but tune in and I’m scared every time (yes, I watched it with the light on). While recently watching Alien for the 57th time, however, I couldn’t help but think about how important team building is to successfully handle frustrating, scary and emotion-charged (though not necessarily life-and-death) situations, especially in business. That tag-line I mentioned at the outset is very true regarding one’s journey toward success in business – it will not able if you try to be a one-woman or one-man show – you need a good team. Not everyone is built to handle certain tasks so it’s important to know your crew’s individual abilities before assigning tasks when possible. Check out how a few key characters from Alien measured up while trying to survive and escape an alien-infested planet:
Ripley - After a series of events including an adrift space vessel, quibbling
and deceit among politicians, military orders and eager scientists Ripley is
propelled into role a Commanding Officer and must lead a mission to investigate, survive deadly super-beings. She quickly learns leadership tactics and and usage of serious firepower to ensure her survival and rescue of possible survivors. This is a woman you want at the helm – a doer who leads by example with workable solutions.
Newt – A little girl and lone survivor on the planet yet despite her
traumatized state she continuously displayed tenacity, wit, courage, and
optimism – even shaming some of the trained professionals who lacked her spunk. Such qualities can be found in a young mentor or student who are energetic, curious, and teachable.
Hicks – He was originally acting under the supervision of a previous inept
Lieutenant who was them replaced by Ripley. Now, after Ripley ousts the
unskilled Lieutenant with her demonstration of resolve, focus, action, and
selflessness, Hicks is all too happy to train her in using serious firepower and machinery, and building their defense against their alien pursuers. It become apparent, however that a romantic interest is budding between them. Hicks can be your go-to guy for resources, and a reliable and loyal support however use caution and prudence when venturing to mix business with pleasure.
Burke – A corporate salesman whose own greedy interests are he only concern – alien specimens obtained and returned from the planet translated into big bucks. His greed and deceit led to his eventually demise. When considering including partners in your business, due diligence is paramount and takes steps to fully understand their direct involvement in any serious decisions that impact your money, constituency or brand.
Bishop – A highly intelligent, and morally evolved synthetic being, an
android, who is assigned to support the Marines. Although Ripley is initially
sceptical of his functionality, he proves to be honest, reliable and
self-sacrificing, saving her life, Newt’s and Hicks’. In team building,
sometimes, people who are considered underdogs, overlooked, undervalued, or ignored are often the very geniuses, saviors, and innovators that we need and celebrate today. These may not be seen in photos, red carpets or may not be trendsetters but greatly affect your business often in support roles or other non-glamorous jobs that they happily perform with skill.
Hudson – Cowardice and groundless scepticism is like rust and can be very
dangerous. Hudson was a Marine who had very few positive or productive things to say and simply annoyed people. It’s a wonder how he managed to survive in service for so long and no one really wanted to be around him. These times of people on your team must be dealt with swiftly to either address the root of their concerns with them directly or remove them and their potentially contagious attitude.
Vasquez – Despite her short stature, she is a bold and fearless gunner who
can handle her own and yours, and a loyal comrade. Displaying an occasional rebellious and zealous streak she means business and ready at a moment’s notice – even with her own life. She epitomizes a trusted confidant, more than a mere chatting acquaintance, a “ride or die”, got your back when everyone turns theirs, truest friend. Every successful person will likely have an innumerable amount of admirers, followers, peers, supporters however, they will have very few real friends – as it should be – who are there through all phases of your
best and your worse.
So, even though you may not be stranded on a planet being relentlessly
pursued by intelligent, super-strong, and acid blood, vicious aliens (though
some business scenarios seem that way) it is imperative for the sake of your
peace of mind, longevity, reputation, profit, and even your home life that you pick and manage your team wisely.
“Stay Frosty!” (Hick)
Da-Nel Euwings ©2012
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