Systema and Leadership – by Mark Fan

One Tool to Enhance Foundational Leadership Competencies

MARK FAN

Systema, Leadership, and Engineering

In addition to their technical and analytical expertise, engineers require the ability to work effectively in team environments. Their colleagues are often a diverse set of individuals with different backgrounds, objectives and perspectives. In order for teams to achieve their full potential, team members should possess an understanding of self-leadership, as well as the leadership of others.

The author believes that engineers are in a unique position to serve in a leadership capacity. As an example, systems engineers are trained to utilize a holistic problem solving approach that bridges technical and social concerns. Given their capacity to facilitate progress on both fronts, they are in an excellent position to provide direction to the team and facilitate communications between different disciplines. The development of leadership skills is therefore a key requirement for an engineer’s continued growth.

The author suggests that a martial art known as Systema may help develop some of the individual’s core skills, and that these skills are transferable to the demands of leadership. Systema can be described as “a complete set of concepts and training components that enhance one’s life” (Vasiliev, 2003). Its unique learning methodology based on challenging drills and exercises pose unique intrapersonal and interpersonal situations. Engineers may benefit from this  kinaesthetic training by demonstrating increased resiliency to stress, a positive learning attitude, and adaptability in their communication style depending on their audience. Skeptical readers should not be mistaken: leadership attributes take time to develop. The use of martial arts as a leadership development tool is a long-term approach that demands consistency, reflection, and patience.

The value of martial arts training lies in its ability to provide students an environment to train intrapersonal skills. There appears to be few opportunities where adults can continue this personal development without formalized educational sessions. In particular, intrapersonal competencies (i.e., self development) are among the most difficult to train, but are critical for strong leadership abilities.

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