Beware of Star Trek managers, especially when bearing MBAs

6 hours ago

Stockton Rush ignored expert advice to create an unclassified submarine that imploded, killing him and four others.
Rush identified with 'new James T. Kirk' from Star Trek, which reflects a flawed hero-worship of command without substance.
In contrast, historical British naval captains gained expertise through decades of hands-on experience at all ship positions.
A captain's role involved observing and sensing the ship's state, requiring personal experience and undivided mental focus.
Modern billionaire heirs often misinterpret Star Trek, desiring Kirk's authority without the ethics, hard work, or expertise.
"Kirk style" management involves ignoring feedback, repeating orders, and gambling on risky, regulation-breaking solutions.
Hiring MBAs as CEOs in tech can lead to incompetence when combined with a Kirk-like attitude, ignoring technical expertise.
Companies survive bad management due to organizational inertia and employees who work around idiotic commands to protect the product.

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