5 Strategies to Bring a Sense of Enterprise to the Workplace

Boldly go!

In the generally meh Star Trek: Generations, there is a scene where the legendary Captain James T. Kirk, on his way to retirement, finds himself amid a crisis with the young, green, and (inexplicably) new captain of a brand-new U.S.S. Enterprise, Captain Harriman.

Harriman is conservative—almost timid and vaguely defeatist—when Kirk offers a potential solution:

Kirk: “First - move us within transporter range and beam those people aboard the Enterprise.”

Harriman: “What about the gravimetric distortions? They'll tear us apart.”

Kirk: “Risk is part of the game if you want to sit in that chair.”

Sure, the earthbound world of work rarely offers galaxy-ending situations, but there is risk. And not all of it is what you think.

There is risk in taking a chance on a new program, challenging calcified attitudes, or leaping to a start-up. As the great captain once said, risk is our business.

Another risk is thinking that showing up is enough.

Merely showing up doesn't cut it. Succeeding at work is about being as luminous as Jim Kirk in a constellation of stars.

Whether you're charting a course through the corporate archipelago or piloting your own ship, elevating your workplace value is a savvy investment in yourself. The returns? They can be extraordinary. Sure, there are risks you must take, but inertia shouldn’t be one of them.

Here are five Starfleet-tested ways to amplify your worth, and move up the ranks in the professional sphere:

Become a Solution Savant

Every workplace has its share of challenges and problems. Be the person who doesn't just identify these issues but also brings solutions to the table. As a manager, I cannot abide people who bring me only problems—that often feels like they are outsourcing the job of thinking and innovating to me—and I have plenty of things to do on my list, already. Bring me potential solutions!

Develop a reputation for thinking two steps ahead. Remember, there are always possibilities. It's not just about having ideas; it's about having actionable solutions.

Continual Learning – Your Secret Weapon

In an era where change is the only constant, staying updated with the latest trends in your industry is non-negotiable. Attend workshops, enroll in courses, or simply read voraciously.

If you tell me you’re afraid of AI and haven’t even looked at it, either out of aversion to change or just plain stubbornness? That’s going to get you assigned to the lower decks if you get my meaning. Your knowledge is a tool – keep it sharp.

Master the Art of Communication

Clear, concise, and effective communication can set you apart in a sea of mediocrity. Whether it's articulating ideas in a meeting, writing a compelling email, or just being an active listener, honing your communication skills makes you an asset.

To coin a phrase, keep those hailing frequencies open.

Build Bridges, Not Walls

Networking isn’t just for job seekers. Building a strong network within and outside your organization can bring new perspectives, opportunities, and collaborations. Be the colleague who connects people and ideas, creating a web of productive relationships.

Just remember, bridges can also be fraught with risk (ask Captain Kirk—oh my) if you do not tend to regular maintenance.

Be Adaptable, Be Resilient

If there's one thing recent times have taught us, it's the value of adaptability. Embrace change, be flexible in your approach, and show resilience in the face of adversity. Companies treasure employees who can thrive in uncertainty and turn challenges into opportunities. Folding your arms and slow-walking new programs make you look petulant, inert, and inflexible.

Why not embrace changes and challenges with curiosity, vigor, and yes, a sense of Enterprise?

Logically, enriching your workplace contribution transcends technical prowess. It's about embracing a questing philosophy that strains to explore beyond the confines of a job role. It's about being proactive, perspicacious, and, fundamentally, irreplaceable.

As you implement these strategies, observe as your value ascends, marking not just a spike in your current position but elevating the arc of your entire career trajectory.

You may just find your career living long and prospering.