franchise-star-trek-tng-technical-manual1

13.0 CREW SUPPORT SYSTEMS13.1 CREW SUPPORT13.1 CREW SUPPORTStarf leet recognizes that its single most important systemand most valuable resource is its people. The crew of astarship determines, far more than any technology or hardware,the success of any given mission. Accordingly, Starfleethas a long tradition of placing its personnel at the top ofits priority list.The long, exacting, and frequently hazardous nature ofstarship duty places a very considerable toll on its crew. Yetthe nature of Starfleet missions requires each crew memberto be continually operating at very near 100%. The successof a mission, the safety of the ship, or the fate of an entireplanet can at any moment hinge on the performance of anycrew member. Reconciling the demanding nature of starshipduty with the need to maintain quality over extended periodsis a difficult goal, but Starfleet's personnel policies make it areality.Starfleet personnel are well trained and highly motivated,but maintaining that motivation is an ongoing challenge.Starfleet's command structure is designed to support thisphilosophy and our officers understand the importance ofnurturing and encouraging the efforts of each crew member.This ranges from ample opportunities for personnel to advancewithin Starfleet, to a policy of actively listening to theneeds and concerns of all personnel. Each crew member isencouraged to be innovative in his/her job, and allowed toexcel in his/her chosen area. Indeed, many of our mostimportant technical and procedural advances have comefrom on-duty personnel who have suggested better ways todo their jobs.off-peak Holodeck usage time are typically reserved fortraining exercises — such simulations can often be countedas field experience toward promotions. Many starships haveongoing lecture programs featuring visiting mission specialistswho are often at the forefront of their fields of study. Allthese permit interested individuals to advance at their ownpace within their chosen specialty, or to gain the knowledgeand experience to branch into other areas.Part of Starfleet's support for its personnel is the attentionlavished on living accommodations. All Starfleet personnelare provided with comfortable, spacious living quarters. Foodservice aboard the Galaxy class starship is provided by asophisticated replicator system that provides a vast array ofculinary selections from a hundred planets. Recreationalfacilities range from four holographic environment simulators,two fully equipped gymnasiums and other exercise and sportsfacilities, a concert hall and theater, an arboretum, and avariety of lounges for off-duty use.Starfleet duty is extremely demanding, but the entireorganization is devoted to supporting its people and allowingthem to excel. Starfleet's extraordinary history of over twocenturies of space exploration is ample testament to thesuccess of that policy.Educational facilities range from training simulators,classrooms, and professional advancement programs toinformal gatherings of crew members. Significant blocks ofThis section grew out of a discussion in which we realized that the greatest advance seen on Star Trek is not warp drive ortransporter technology, but in management. Keeping a thousand individuals performing at top efficiency for years at a timeis something that most present-day groups can only dream about. Yet those few organizations that can demonstrate asuccessful "search for excellence" have shown the extraordinary value of treating yourpeopie with respect. We figure thatStarfleet must have learned this lesson well.