Lessons in Leadership from Top Gun’s Iceman
Team N are off to watch Top Gun: Maverick this week.
As we were giving some context to the twins (as ten-year-olds, they think 1986 is the Victorian era), it reminded me of some of the great quotes. One being when Maverick (Tom Cruise) confronts Iceman (Val Kilmer) on what his problem is.
If you don’t recall his response, Iceman did not hold back and let Maverick know EXACTLY what the problem was…
“You’re everyone’s problem. That’s because every time you go up in the air, you’re unsafe. I don’t like you because you’re dangerous.”
The problem was Maverick’s reckless attitude, putting others in danger.
And the same goes for business.
Okay, you’re not flying an F-14! But you are the Leader…
And whilst leadership doesn’t come naturally to everyone, it’s vital we hold up the mirror to see if we sometimes act or behave unpredictable, and what the impact is on everyone else around us.
Or ask ourselves if we sporadically act volatile? Because volatile leaders are very difficult to work with (I know form experience!) and are often unlikable.
And it’s equally important to monitor your team around you. Steve in Customer Services may be great at his job, like Maverick is a great pilot, but his attitude may be having a negative impact on the rest of your team and the environment around you.
One of our mantras is:
How you do anything, is how you do everything.
So, take some time out this week for some reflection, and to look at any areas your team may need some support on in terms of how they think, act, and behave.
BW,
Martin
Martin Norbury
Investor | Business Mentor at Advocate | Author of I don’t work Fridays
