Top Gun Maverick : Leadership Lessons I Realized

There are very few things that give you goosebumps and a sense of euphoria that makes your heart racing . Speed and fighter jets serve that purpose in my case. Now I obviously cannot travel to the office in a Fighter jet or get into F1 on way to work, but watching Top Gun Maverick was something that I definitely was looking forward to !

Watching this sequel to one of my favorite movies, I found myself thrilled at the visual marvel that unfolded before my eyes, after 3 hours of entertainment that made me feel as if I am a F/A- 18 fighter pilot. However, apart from dogfighting and machismo, I was also struck by something different all together; following is? a crux of some of the leadership and perseverance lessons that reverberated with me

1.??Learning to let go: We all hold onto things from the past, sometimes too tightly, to an extent that it limits our progress and growth. Such was the case with Maverick and Rooster. Their bitterness due to past incidences did not only limit their individual potential, but was also detrimental to their unit. Only when Rooster decided to let it go, that he became receptive towards Maverick’s guidance and was able to become the pilot, that he had the potential for.

2.??Walking the talk: Actions speak louder than words and it can be a great motivational tool when used correctly. Top Gun was assigned a mission which seemed impossible and unrealistic to achieve to all, but one. Maverick believed he could do it and hence flew the test course successfully under the target time. This ignited hope within the team and established trust in their leader and most importantly within themselves.

3.??Pushing the limits: Rule breakers are often glorified in movies but rarely rewarded in workplace. But progress demands innovation and results, which demands testing your limits and the rules. The greatest ideas come from those who push their limits ?just Maverick flew Mach 10..even if it meant crashing time and again.

4.??Everyone needs a Peggy and Iceman: Peggy was Maverick’s voice of encouragement and reason; Iceman that mentor who never stopped believing in him. During Maverick’s darkest hour, Peggy gave him tough love and support that he needed. Iceman knew Maverick’s strength and weaknesses and came looking out for him to complete and assignment . It is also shown Iceman has saved Maverick multiple times in the past as well.

5.??Loving what you do : Maverick was an ageing dinosaur in a young man’s game. His superior wanted him out and the young generation mocked him. He was struggling to rediscover his identity. It was evident that he had unique experience and wisdom to pass it on. He could pass on his knowledge with ease and through action. Hence, to excel in a leadership role, first on must excel as an individual in their individual contributor role. And that’s only possible when you love what you do.