Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
Filed under: Innovation
In a recent story on Baselinemag.com, we reported that Star Wars and Star Trek remain at the top of IT professionals' list of all-time great science fiction movies and television shows. Also popular are Alien, X-Files and—just to demonstrate that geeks like to laugh about themselves—The Big Bang Theory. That affection for sci-fi characters made us wonder: What would it be like to work with some of the most enduring, iconic characters from these and other sci-fi movies and TV programs? Would such a circumstance "beam you up" to a workplace "far, far away" from reality? Actually, it would be less of a stretch than you might think. In many cases, these characters would perform just as many of your co-workers do—often with positive results, but occasionally skirting danger. Avoiding an asteroid-size disaster in the office would require taking advantage of each sci-fi character's strengths, while minimizing their rougher edges. But isn't that just like any other day at the office?
Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
James T. Kirk (Star Trek) A strong, informed leader who seeks the support and wisdom of a diverse pool of associates, thereby making better decisions.
Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
Ellen Ripley (Alien) Constantly demonstrates a take-charge attitude, earning the envy of less assertive female co-workers and the respect of male ones.
Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars) He's brilliant and intuitive, but he's also quite capable of going "to the dark side" and becoming a rogue hacker.
Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
Dana Scully (X-Files) She is valued for approaching "true believer" colleagues with a healthy dose of skepticism that challenges unfounded assumptions.
Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
Hal (2001: A Space Odyssey) Refuses to do anything other than what his predetermined mindset dictates. Is willing to exact revenge on peers who try to stop him.
Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
William Adama (Battlestar Galactica) A stoic veteran who's seen it all and gains respect through his insightful instincts and proven loyalty to colleagues.
Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
Mister Spock (Star Trek) Buttoned-down and focused strictly on business, he exudes uncanny logic, but could stand to lighten up a bit.
Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
Leonard Leakey Hofstadter (The Big Bang Theory) He's a true geek who endears himself to colleagues by trying to be normal. The formula works: He even gets the designated office "It" girl.
Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
Han Solo (Star Wars) With a cocky, sarcastic swagger, he gets the job done his way. He gets away with this attitude because he always delivers.
Do Your Co-workers Resemble Sci-Fi Characters?
Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory) Socially inept with a superiority complex, he's convinced that he's the smartest guy in the room—and he often is.
