Command Lessons Beyond The Bridge
	A Lecture by Commander Haruko (played by Christopher Dickinson), currently with Starfleet Special Operations

Editor's Note: Much of the material from this lecture is borrowed from "Make It So: Leadership Lessons From Star Trek The Next Generation" by Wess Roberts, Ph.D, and Bill Ross.  All due respect should be given to the book, and no copyright infringement is intended.

Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Looks up from his PADD::  Afternoon, Ensign.  ::Smiles::
Ens_Andrews says:
Haruko: Afternoon, Commander
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Nods as another officer enters the room::
Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::sits down next to Millicent and holds her hand::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Checks his chronometer, then looks around::
Ens_Andrews says:
::smiles as he does so:: Rodos: That last seminar was good wasn't it?
Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
Andrews: Yeah.. we should try some of those scenarios on the holodeck.
Ens_Andrews says:
Rodos: I was thinking the same thing
Capt_K`Beth says:
::enters quietly and slips into the back of the room to listen::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Steps forward of the podium they brought him, and looks around the room... the rest can trickle in::  Good afternoon.  My name is Haru Haruko, and I'm on assignment with Starfleet Special Operations.  I'm a Commander... but I have no ship.  Most people think that leadership is just the actions of a few people in the center chairs of a Bridge...
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
...but command and leadership are much more.  And these topics are what we're going to discuss today.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
There's an adage that we must look to the past to learn for the future.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
It's true that the past affords us the opportunity to learn many lessons that can be applied to the future and present, but it's much more important to gain insight to today by giving thoughtful consideration as to what lies ahead in the future.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Those of you who are Ensigns or Lieutenants... where will your career path take you?  How would you get to your final destination?
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
An officer is not so much the product of his time, as time becomes what an officer makes of it.  Initiative is an important and motivating factor in leadership.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
The progress of all lifeforms rests firmly on those willing to fulfill the full measure of their existance by journeying through both the easy valleys and the tough hills - through persistence and wearisome effort at times.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
In deep space, conditions rarely favor even the most experienced officer.  Good Captains and Commanders make the best of every situation, and show a guiding example of their perserverence.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
However, ambition and initiative must be guided and tempered by the greater good of the whole - be it you whole department, whole team, whole away mission, whole ship.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
A good officer must also be willing to use the whole situation around him.  An officer who feels he must control every action taken by his crew or team destroys their will to take their own initiative when he is not present.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Takes a breath and walks around behind his podium, grabbing his PADD::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
This brings us to another topic: interdependence.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Whether it is within the vacuum of interstellar space, or planetside, no one person acting alone can guaruntee the safety of his ship or crew.
Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::smiles as he takes notes on his PADD::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
A good leader must be willing and able to place his full trust in the abilities and strengths of others on his team.  Such a situation creates a work environment free from the doubt and distrust that otherwise hinders and prevents positive outcomes.
Ens_Andrews says:
::shifts in her chair and takes notes on her PADD::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
In the same way, you can show leadership even when not the team or mission commander.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Knowledge may be power, but withholding information from those with whom it should be rightfully shared is a personal weakness, one for which others often pay a heavy price.
Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::tries very hard to listen with all the attention the commander deserves::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
It is every officer's duty to freely exchange his knowledge - not by expressing intellectual superiority, but as a means by which one helps others solve problems and improve decisions.
Capt_K`Beth says:
::sips her coffee and listens to the commander::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Every member of a crew has the right and duty to make meaningful contributions to the mission and well-being of the ship or team.  However, no one has the right to use Federation or Starfleet resources for their own personal agendas.  Even senior officers -
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
On becoming one, an officer does not gain the authority and independence to act on his own.  Rather, senior officers must follow the guidelines of those above them and general policies, setting the leadership example that others below him... or her... may imitate.  ::With a nod to the female Captain in the rear::
Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins, raises and waggles her coffee cup towards him::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Begins to walk::  It's often said that communication is the foundation of a lot of things - most notably, strong relationships.  Similarly with leaders, communication is key.
Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::smiles at Millicent as the commander mentions communication and relationships::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Leaders learn how to effectively communicate their expectations and desires to those below them.
Ens_Andrews says:
::smiles back at Falor::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
"Effective communications"... an interesting phrase in and of itself.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::motions with his hand as he makes an important point::  The fundamental challenge of effective communications is not to speak.  Instead, messages given must not only be received... but they must be understood
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Effective communication is the single most important factor in resolving a crisis situation.  Effective communication is also the single most important factor in PREVENTING a crisis situation.
Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
whispers to self: well we humans have two ears and just one mouth for one good reason. It is a good ratio.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
In first contact or hostile situations, it is Starfleet policy that every effort must be made to communicate and negotiate before hostilities ensue.  The first battle of most hostile encounters usually begins as the communication process ends.  That is true, but it is also true that the last battle ends only after talk resumes.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Effective communication does not always end in agreement.  The importance though is to tolerate differences, and some of the most effective talks merely result in arriving at the reason why you disagree with another party.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Similarly, half of communication is to LISTEN.  If one fails to listen to what another is saying, one will often fail to properly respond to what has been said.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
If nothing else, by listening you do learn when another person has very little to say.  ::With a small smile::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Coughs lightly and picks up his glass of water, taking a drink::
Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
:;nods::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Sets his glass down::  Communication between yourself and your team members follows many of the same principles.  Good Captains are often said to lead by consensus, listening to their crews and senior officers, and making decisions based upon this input.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Despite interdependence upon his crew or team, a Commander must be able to make decisive and independent decisions and actions.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
The Commander must then have the confidence to stand beside his decision - or if his decision was incorrect, to accept his shortcoming and make amends to better the whole.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Learning from mistakes will initiate growth in any person or officer... but remember, look towards the future.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
To be effective, an officer must have unclouded vision about what is ahead.  Such vision demands that the officer deal with his priorities - not necessarily in order, but getting them done, and seeing the ramifications of his actions.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Thus a commander must FOCUS on the important issues of the mission, setting aside the lesser or non-critical issues.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Begins to walk again::  The demands that others make on an officer's time will often increase as one increases in rank and position.  However, as one cannot be omnipresent, it becomes vital that an officer quickly distinguish between profitable and wasteful use of his time and presence.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
The surest way for an officer to be selected for higher position is by concentrating on doing his present job well.  Focusing too much on the future, and what it may hold, takes away from the present self.  One must be aware of the future, and plan for it, but not lose the focus.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Along with focus, a competent officer must also approach his duties and responsibilities with a certain sense of urgency.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
As a team grows and develops interdependence, it falls to each member to perform their tasks in a reasonable amount of time.  Important responsibilities must be undertaken with some sense of urgency.  By doing so, neither panic nor frenzy sets in... define what can wait, and what requires attention.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Urgency should not be construed as haste; instead, actions should be performed with patience.  Deliberation is not delay, but consideration of options.  The officer who acts with a sense of urgency is one who selects the best option to maximize opportunity at the most opportune moment.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Looks at the eyes watching him::  I am convinced that an officer who has a sense of urgency learns to master his circumstances and not to be mastered by them.  Circumstances rarely prevent an officer from succeeding at his mission.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Thus, an officer must also be our last topic - competent.  Competence has now replaced technology as the force multiplier in this era of interstellar travel and exploration.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
No matter what knowledge one has acquired, it requires the illustration and confirmation of experience to become wisdom.  An officer should broaden his knowledge with and through others.  He should also correct and complete his experience through the experiences of others.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
One of the surest ways to instill competence among a crew is to help them overcome their miscalculations before errors become habits.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Self-confidence is a positive attribute of an officer, but not sufficient enough to ensure his effectiveness as a leader.  To become effective, a leader must provide his crew the instructions and experiences that will enable them to succeed.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Places his hands behind his back and smiles, his lecture wrapping up well::  If nothing else, take those words with you - experience leadership through others.  As with any other art or science, leadership is impossible to master on one's own, and at once.  Instead, one must patiently wrestle with it, experiencing both the successes and failures.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::With the smile still on his smooth face::  Thank you all for listening.  Carry these lessons with you, and you will all become fine leaders.  I will be around for questions following this lecture.
Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles and then looks at her chronometer and silently curses....never enough time to explore other things.  Quietly exits the room::
Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::Raises his hand:: Haruko: Commander thank you for the many insights that you gave us. I would like to ask you about the importance of feedback.
Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::smiles and looks at all the notes he took on his PADD::
Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
Andrews: I'll catch up with you later.. I have to take care of some things back on the ship.
Ens_Andrews says:
Rodos: Why don't you walk me back. I should see to Logan
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
Rico: Feedback falls under effective communication with one's team or crew.  Commanders learn to deliberate other's opinions and experiences, but the decision will ultimately be up to the commander.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
There is always something more to learn, even for the most experienced and decorated commanders.
Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::smiles:: Andrews: Alright.
Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
Haruko: Thank you commander, again.
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Nods::  Certainly.
Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::stands up and takes Millicent's hand, nodding at the Commander as he exits::
Ens_Andrews says:
::takes Falor's hand as she nods to the Commander::
Host Cmdr_Haruko says:
::Nods back and steps to take another drink of his water::
Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::nods to the other ensigns leaving the room and leaves as well headed for the next class::