Work Lessons From Top Gun: Maverick

At Least It Wasn't a Remake

Most remakes are cash grabs that have no value once they leave theaters. This sequel actually had purpose. It was not a way to reunite characters. Some noted Kelly McGillis is not in the film. Why wasn't Tom Skerritt or the principal from Back to the Future in one scene? Because their characters probably retired.

Do What You Must

In both films Maverick makes difficult decisions and follows through. Of course the bosses don't like it. He is willing to take the hit so good people do not lose their jobs.

This Is Where I am Supposed To Be

In my own career which does not have the need for speed (a former colleague satirized that with "I feel the need. The need for tweed." He was high fived for that.) I do not move up the ranks. Maverick could have been a general. Some sarcastically called him "Captain" because he never went higher. He helped others without having them stand at attention and walk on eggshells in his presence.

Don't Delegate Any Work You Aren't Willing To Do Yourself

Maverick commandeered a plane and did a dry run of the mission to see if it were possible. While superior officers did not approve there was no denying the results.

There Are No Generations

The pilots gathered are different ages. They were the best in their class. Marketers might lead some to believe the young generation is different than older ones. They maintain the same standard. Go to any military base and the servicemen you see will act comparably to the ones dealt with years ago. It's a good standard.

The Small Yet Functional San Diego Houses Probably Sell For Over One Million

It's only a movie. I can believe an elite pilot can train other elite pilots to fly a mission behind enemy lines bringing everyone home safely and can't believe the owner of the bar can afford San Diego Real Estate?

This Is No Video Game

There is an original story with subtle nods to the original film. There is no CGI. One moment of CGI in Die Another Day essentially compromised that film. The viewer does not want to be distracted with fake looking scenes.

Tell a Compelling Story

This is a big screen movie. It might lose potency watched on your I Phone or an airplane. It might be worth seeing in IMAX. If you never saw the original you can catch up with the backstory.

Know Your Place

Maverick would not retire. He doesn't look much older than in the first movie. Management disapproves of his methods and enjoys the results. He is never careless, like when he defends the accusation of being "Dangerous" in the first film. Sometimes you have to go out on a limb.

Push the Envelope

That phrase might have originated with Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier. I might have to review The Right Stuff. That film fell into comparative obscurity because it did not win Academy Awards.

Regardless of that, go as far as you can as fast as you can for as long as you can. You may not be invincible. You can still set a standard for others to build upon.