When we talk about leadership, people often default to the same reference points: business books, Harvard case studies, a favorite TED Talk, maybe a quote from a CEO or two. And while those sources can absolutely be helpful, they can also get… predictable.
Leadership isn’t something that only happens in boardrooms. It happens across time, across cultures, and across genres, including in the worlds we invent for ourselves, and the games that take over our screens. Sometimes the most impactful leadership lessons show up in the pages of a sci-fi novel or the last seconds of a championship game.
So let’s step outside the usual leadership canon and look at two transformative places full of wisdom: science fiction and sports.
Science Fiction: Leaders Are Defined by the Future They Choose to Build
Science fiction is, at its core, about imagining new possibilities. And true leaders are future-builders too.
In Star Trek, Captain Picard doesn’t lead through brute force or ego. He leads through thoughtful exploration, diplomacy, and holding himself accountable to his decisions. He has a clear vision: to seek new knowledge without losing our humanity. He knows what he stands for, so his leadership stays grounded even when decisions are tough.
Similarly, in Dune, Paul Atreides learns (the hard way) that influence is power, and power shapes destiny. Leadership is about understanding the consequences of leading others.
Sci-fi teaches us to ask:
- What world am I trying to create?
- What values guide that world?
- What is the real cost of getting there?
We lead better when we aren’t just reacting to today, but actively shaping tomorrow.
Sports: Leadership in Real Time
Where sci-fi pushes us to think about the future, sports bring us into the present moment, where leadership is immediate, physical, and often wordless. The best leaders are the ones who keep the team grounded, aligned, and connected.
Think about how great teams communicate. Sometimes, it’s subtle through a look, a gesture, or a shift in stance. Trust enables teams to move as one. And trust is earned through consistency.
In sports, being the most talented person on the field doesn’t automatically make you the leader. The leader is the one who inspires and brings others together.
Great leaders aren’t always the ones making the final play. Sometimes, they’re the ones making space for others to shine. Think of players like Steph Curry or Megan Rapinoe, leaders who elevate the entire team by sharing the spotlight, not dominating it. Leadership is about collective achievement.
Bringing Science Fiction and Sports Together
Surprisingly, sci-fi and sports tell the same leadership story from different angles:
- Sci-fi: Leaders shape the future with vision and responsibility. They gain strength in finding purpose, foresight, and values-driven decision making.
- Sports: Leaders guide teams through real-time challenges. They gain strength through trust, communication, adaptability, and shared success.
Put together, they remind us of something essential: Leadership is who we are and how we show up when others are counting on us.
Leadership inspiration doesn’t have to come from formal training alone. Sometimes the most meaningful lessons come from the stories we love and the moments where teamwork and heart take center stage.
So the next time you’re watching a sci-fi series or cheering on your favorite team, take a moment to look at how the characters or players are leading. Understand how they communicate, adapt, and support one another. Transformation happens everywhere, if you know where to look.
