In a recent episode of
the Big Bang Theory, Bob Newhart
makes a guest appearance as an elderly scientist/TV personality. His character hosted a children’s science
show that Sheldon, Jim Parsons, and Leonard, Johnny Galecki, obsessively
watched as young boys. When Professor
Proton, Bob Newhart, laments his legacy, Sheldon and Leonard give him credit
for inspiring them to become ground-breaking physicists. Sheldon tells Prof. Proton, “A generation of
scientists are standing on your shoulders.”
I am sure I’m not the only one who sees the irony that the relationship
being acted out by Prof. Proton, Sheldon and Leonard is one that took place in
real life between Newhart, Parsons and Galecki.
Bob Newhart is a legend. He has
been the inspiration for many famous comedians and ensemble actors. His TV shows have helped define the standard
by which all sitcoms are judged. The Big Bang Theory is now just as popular
as Newhart’s shows for the same impeccable comedic timing and the humorous
relationships of quirky characters. Life
imitating art imitating life.
How do we know what
influence we may have overs, whether they be in the next generation or our own? The answer is, “We don’t.” But that is just the point. Since we do not know, we must act as if we
do. When we are given an opportunity to
influence others we must exercise that responsibility deliberately and with a
purpose. This is especially true in the
area of our chosen profession.
A professional is one
who is accepted as very skilled or expert at a given activity. Usually those professionals who are
recognized among their peers as having influence are not in leadership
roles. Their influence comes from how
they perform at their job. Airline
Captains have a very influential role in their profession. Because of the
unique interface of man and machine, the airline Captain must have effective
skills handling the crew as well as the aircraft. When they are in command, Captains set a tone
on the flight deck that will establish the relationship they will have with their
crew. How the Captain handles the
aircraft will establish his or her performance expectations. The Captain who builds effective
relationships as well as demonstrates strong airmanship skills is the one
who has influence.
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