Leadership Lessons I have Learned from Star Trek

I have followed Star Trek since 1966. Like many people of my generation, the values, stories, characters and lessons consciously and sometimes unconsciously are present in my thinking, my observations and my professional practice. I will try to share a lesson every few days.

2. Non-Interference is the Prime Directive
In the Federation, it is important to allow cultures and civilizations to grow naturally. Countries, like planets, develop their own cultures. Violence, poverty and oppression can often be traced to one culture imposing its values another (colonialism). It is though important to distinguish between forcing a culture to change and educating people so that they can change trends and break myths that are actually harmful to preserving a culture.

My personal lesson in this was during my first visits to Swaziland. I was there to lead a leadership development program sponsored by the UN and intended to help high potential leaders deal with the HIV Aids crisis. I was deeply committed to not interfering yet I was there to help influence change. I often wanted to interfere, if not in the culture, in some of the trends. Some of these trends included polygamy and woman considered children by law (they could not own houses, have credit cards etc.) There were a number of myths about HIV Aids as well, including a belief that Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are harmful. This myth was so prevalent that there where actually no ARV made available in this country with over a 30% infection rate!

By my third visit to Swaziland, I was in love with the people and the place. I was upset though-the phrase people used to describe the situation, “People are dying!!!” was ringing in my head and heart. One of the people who I had become friends with was a young man with HIV Aids and an activist in the country. He was getting sicker each time I saw him. I decided that I needed to interfere with him if not the country. So I said to him, “Look you are important to the country and if you die, who will do the work? You are going to die. Take the ARVs. I will get them for you.” He told me that a Dr. he saw said the same thing and could get them for him in South Africa. The next time I came, he was taking ARV’s and feeling much better. This young man started writing articles in the newspaper about his experience of getting healthier and stronger. The myth began to dissipate!! In less than one year, the people in Swaziland demanded that ARVs become available. And although the HIV rate is still too high in Swaziland, many people are living productive lives due to the ARVs. My friend is happily married and still healthy.
For more information on HIV Aids and Swaziland:
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/aids/Countries/africa/swaziland.html