Lead Advice
Posted on Thu Apr 18th, 2024 @ 5:48pm by Ensign Connor Turner
Edited on on Mon Apr 22nd, 2024 @ 9:28pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 15 - The Evil That Lies Beneath
Location: Main Engineering - Deck 11 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD03 0800 hrs
Resolved to take the Gamma Shift lead that was offered by Elen, Connor headed to Engineering for his normal shift. Connor was still uncertain about being a lead. It was one thing for your girlfriend to have confidence in you, but it was quite another having other people have confidence in you and Connor was not exactly assertive. He also could be overly polite.
Careerwise, however, he could not deny that this would be good for his career. He idly wondered what Holly would say if she knew that already in his short time on Pioneer that he was offered a lead. Possibly, she'd say that she knew it had it in him.
He sighed to himself. I need to learn how to do this right. Maybe I can get some advice from the Assistant Chief. He may be an imposing site, but at least he's male and I won't trip all over myself like with Elen. Thought resolved, he set out to find Trelor-Var.
Once he did, he gulped as he looked at the hulking figure and said, "Um, excuse me, Lieutenant, do you mind if I could talk to you in private for a moment or two?"
Trevor nodded, gesturing to a nearby unoccupied room, "Certainly, Ensign." The Engineer hadn't been on the ship that long and suddenly wished he had paid better attention to the roster. He was only going to be able to call him Ensign so many times before someone figured out the Grazerite couldn't remember the Ensign's name.
Connor followed Trelor into the unoccupied room and once the door was closed, he began to speak. "The Chief, er, Elen," Connor reminded himself before continuing. After all the Chief, er, Elen told him that they were not supposed to use ranks. So, why was Trelor not using his name? Perhaps the Grazerite liked being more formal. Who was he to argue? It was appropriate to use rank normally.
Shaking those thoughts from his head, he continued, "Well, she offered me the lead of Gamma shift and picking some of my own team." Connor gulped heavily. "I've never, well, been a lead, and I admit that I am not the most social person in the world. Yet, I think I am going to accept the position. However, I could really use some advice on how to do it. You're an assistant chief, so, well, you've had to have done it before. Can you help me not make mistakes?"
"Sometimes Ensign," the Grazerite explained, "our greatest teacher is our failure. To quote something I heard a long time ago, the biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that's changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks."
"You cannot be afraid of mistakes," he nodded, "It's expected."
The young engineer started to turn pale. "But if I make a mistake, everyone could die! I don't want that...." He looked down at his feet and fretted. "But, um, I think I really was, well, looking for advice on how to lead, since I've never done it. I, well, I don't know that I was cut out for it. I mean, well, how would I know?"
Trelor smiled, standing up a bit straighter and turning to face the Ensign. He smiled; he remembered those days. The days of uncertainty and self-doubt. "It's not something you can teach, Ensign," the Engineer was honest. "There is lots of advice, and almost everyone you meet will have an opinion. However, in the end, what works for you is part of what will make your command style unique. My best advice is, you got to this place because of who you are. Don't try to be something else."
"Additionally, actively listen to your team. This means not only hearing what they say but truly understanding their perspectives, concerns, and ideas," the Engineer continued, "By listening attentively, you demonstrate respect for your team members and build trust. In the end, you have nothing if you don't have respect."
Connor gulped hard. How in the world was he going to get respect when he could barely talk to anyone, other than, well, occasionally Milly, and even that was touch and go. He considered his conversations for a moment and realized that whenever he talked about engineering, he usually was able to keep a conversation. He brightened at that. "So, listen to everyone, consider all the perspectives, and then," he gulped hard. "I have to make the decision, don't I?"
Suddenly Connor felt extremely faint. "I'm properly British. I'm not built to offend! Well, at least not normally. And how do I even know what my style is? I mean, everyone else has always told me what to do and I just fix things. That's what I do. I improve and fix things."
Trelor listened attentively as Connor expressed his concerns, nodding along empathetically. When Connor finished speaking, Trelor offered a reassuring smile before responding, "Indeed, Ensign, it's natural to feel uneasy when stepping into a new role, especially one that involves leadership. But remember, leadership isn't about being perfect or having all the answers. It's about recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and leveraging them to guide your team effectively."
"You mentioned being properly British," Trelor chuckled lightly, "and that's a part of who you are. Embrace it. Your style of leadership will naturally evolve as you gain experience. And while it's important to consider everyone's perspectives, ultimately, the responsibility falls on you to make decisions. But don't think of it as offending; think of it as guiding your team towards success."
"As for knowing your style," Trelor continued, "it will become clearer as you work through different situations. Just remember to stay true to yourself and your values. If you're genuine and respectful towards your team, they'll likely respect you in return. Remember, Ensign, it's okay to make mistakes. That's how we learn and grow. Trust in your abilities, stay open to learning, and don't be afraid to seek advice when needed. You're not alone in this journey; your team is there to support you just as you are there to support them."
Connor sighed. He had hoped that there would be some sort of manual. Apparently, there was not one. At least he had 'genuine' in spades. "Well, I did come here for advice," Connor added, hoping there might be something more that he could learn.
A Joint Post By
Ensign Connor Turner
Computer Systems Specialist, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Junior Grade Trelor-Var of the Elanis Upsol
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer, USS Pioneer
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