He is some times unflatteringly referred to as an unfeeling cold hearted robot. His response is not to treat this as an insult but a compliment!
It’s significant that Spock is the number two on the Starship Enterprise not the captain. Why? As the science officer he is the most knowledgeable member of the crew. He is logical and rational not swayed by emotions, calm and coolheaded at all times, operates on the data not intuition, makes evidence based decisions. Always plays by the rules and adheres to policy and procedures , rewards strictly on performance, no favourites. No bias. No prejudices. He is incapable of dishonesty or lying.
James T Kirk is a hot head and a maverick with a record of disobeying direct orders, who trusts his gut , thinks the end justifies the means , is innovative, rash, impetuous and tries to bluff his way out of trouble. James T Kirk is the charismatic captain.
The Starship Enterprise would be in a lot safe hands if Mr Spock was in charge but when it comes to senior/top jobs it’s all to often the colourful, charming, over confident, ruthlessly ambitious James T Kirk’s of the corporate world who are appointed.
You don’t want to be managed by a robot because a robot can’t relate to human feelings. You don’t want a boring boss because you need some one who can be bold and innovative. You don’t want a dull leader because some times you need to witness the passion , be energised and inspired. But neither do you want to work for some one who lacks integrity, can’t be trusted, who lacks empathy, is arrogant, over sensitive to criticism, ruthless, impatient, demanding, excitable and with no regard or insight into impact of their behaviour on others .
What organisations need to do is look a little harder, beyond the ones who standout, who self promote and claim credit for the achievements of others ,who have mastered the art of politics and upward career management. Look for leaders and managers with a little less charm and a little more integrity. A little less passion a lot more competence. A little duller and a lot smarter. Less excitable more rational. Less flamboyant more effective. Less sensitive to criticism more sensitive to the needs of employees and the effect of their own behaviour on others.
