Kirk or Picard. Who had the better leadership style?

Question

Nick: Probably.

Answer 1

Picard.

Kirk was a posturing simp who never lacked a pompous platitude. Picard (at least occasionally) entertained doubts, and delayed decision in clouded circumstance.

Picard's "Make it so" is very unlike anything said by Kirk. It says, "The vision is clear, and I trust that you can achieve its accomplishment." (This without regard to what the vision is, or from whom the better vision comes). As a leadership style, this is vastly superior to Kirk's apparent belief that "If I babble inanity long enough, miracles will happen."

This is not to find fault with the actors for the roles they played. Kirk was a cardboard cutout; Picard was written with a good deal more depth. Had Patrick Stewart played the role of Kirk, and William Shatner the role of Picard, I'd still prefer watchin SNG reruns over watching ST reruns. Which is the stronger actor is another judgment call altogether, and I'm not going to start that fight.

Answer 2

You can't be serious. In what universe can Kirk hold a candle to Picard? Sorry Kirk fans, but NO ONE tops Jean-Luc. I'd boldly go anywhere he led, and I'm not just saying that because I like Patrick Stewart as an actor. Picard had a dignity and gravity that Kirk never had. Picard seemed more interested in carrying out Enterprise's mission then in having sex with every female, alien or not, that he could entice to his quarters.

Answer 3

Picard. The only way Kirk led was from the front and that went out of style before Napolean came to power. Or, to put it another way-How many shirts did Picard rip?

Answer 4

I think Picard. They had experience from Star Trek, so they did a better job when they created Picard on Star Trek The Next Generation.

Answer 5

Picard.

Kirk was too much of a ladies' man. He seemed to boink every alien chick at all of the space ports that the crew came across.

Answer 6

Picard, hands down IMO. He allowed open communication and exploited the knowledge of his crew to solve problems.

Kirk was a drama queen that made unilateral decisions and only listened to Spock after he got everybody in deep trouble, or to McCoy after he cursed Kirk out, "Dammit Jim, I'm a doctor not a ..." LOL!

Answer 7

Picard is a mature version of Kirk. His leadership was exemplary, whereas Kirks was rough and tumble.

Answer 8

Picard was a better leader. Just look at how many Redshirts died on Kirk's watch.

Answer 9

I hate Star Trek, but it seems to me they both were good leaders. Picard is the product of a much more palatable actor, than William Shatner was in the early part of his career.

Answer 10

I have always liked Picard's style better. He is intellectual and measured without being ineffectual. And, when necessary, he can kick butt as well as Kirk.