In the Star Trek pilot episode The Cage, the Enterprise suddenly returns to full power. We find Mr. Spock in the Transporter room, where the chief claims he could not shut down his system if he wanted to. Mr. Spock prepares for the unanticipated arrival. He watches as Number One and Pike’s yeoman materialize. Then, a little later, the system comes on again, and Captain Pike materializes.
When the group reaches the bridge, others pause to talk with their captain, but Mr. Spock quietly resumes his duties. No longer must he worry about the dangers posed by the Talosians. No longer must he grapple with conundrums. No longer does the responsibility for two hundred lives rest upon his shoulders. His captain is back. Number One is back. He stands at attention beside Number One’s console. He stares at the viewscreen. He is content.
So often we are told that we must seize the initiative, that we must abandon our comfort zones, that we must take command of a given situation in order to prove our worth. But not all are meant to be leaders. Without followers, those willing to work without being noticed, there would be no government, organizations, charitable institutions, churches, clubs, or businesses. Individually, we can accomplish much, but by happily lending our skills and abilities to others, we can achieve so much more.
It is not essential to your development that you always seek the spotlight. If you wish to, or if you feel you must, then by all means vie for leadership. But if you feel your gifts and abilities are better suited to standing back and playing a supporting role in a given situation, then be content, knowing you have made a wise decision.
Perhaps, even a logical one.
When the group reaches the bridge, others pause to talk with their captain, but Mr. Spock quietly resumes his duties. No longer must he worry about the dangers posed by the Talosians. No longer must he grapple with conundrums. No longer does the responsibility for two hundred lives rest upon his shoulders. His captain is back. Number One is back. He stands at attention beside Number One’s console. He stares at the viewscreen. He is content.
So often we are told that we must seize the initiative, that we must abandon our comfort zones, that we must take command of a given situation in order to prove our worth. But not all are meant to be leaders. Without followers, those willing to work without being noticed, there would be no government, organizations, charitable institutions, churches, clubs, or businesses. Individually, we can accomplish much, but by happily lending our skills and abilities to others, we can achieve so much more.
It is not essential to your development that you always seek the spotlight. If you wish to, or if you feel you must, then by all means vie for leadership. But if you feel your gifts and abilities are better suited to standing back and playing a supporting role in a given situation, then be content, knowing you have made a wise decision.
Perhaps, even a logical one.
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