Professor Charles Francis Xavier from X men is an ideal example of how one should lead.

Anuj Singhal
Aug 23, 2017 · 4 min read

If you feel your team is horrible, recall the team of X-men where you can imagine the world’s most craziest of creatures.

While men may be homogenous, X-men were far from it. Some may be very understanding but other were completely notorious and adamant. We often find such people in our teams who are less willing to listen and often disturbs other better performers.

So here is how Prof. Xavier unknowingly gives us a lesson in management. But you’ll need to make one basic assumption that he always does (even while facing Magneto), “They have a potential” and that’s why they are in you organization. Else they would have been sitting at home…Correct?

  1. Analyse true power:

Just because someone stumbles and loses their way, it doesn’t mean they’re lost forever”

While Xavier had powers to read mind and more… You have the power to talk to someone. Read their history, give them variety of task, see where they does well and where they struggle. Identify if they need a training. If yes, monitor their training course and check their progress using exams.

2. Even the best ones need training:

Did you noticed that even Cyclops, Storm and Colossus are not allowed to skip their training. Even if your team is a high performing one, don’t keep them away from training. Everyone needs it, whether they know it or not. Who don’t like to spike up their armory? Everyone wants to add to their skillset. Sometimes when a manager pays too much attention to the low skilled ones, the better one may feel neglected and lose their morale. You don’t want any unnecessary tensions right?

3. Making a choice is not necessary.

What if Wolverine and Cyclops ask Xavier, “Who do you like more?” or “Jean and Storm battle over being fav student”. As a human one may always have favorites but as a Manager, never let it come out. No team member likes to be the lesser favorite. Divide your attention equally within the team. If your team is small and manageable, try to have a word with them everyday. Ask them how’s it going for them. If they are doing great or facing difficulties.

4. Let them show off.

Storms is the biggest show-off indeed.

Who doesn’t know that Xavier could end a fight without having to move an aram? All he needs is some time in his bubble (or hubble…whatever they call it). But he only does it when it becomes inevitable. Why? As a leader his role is not just to lead but to create more leaders. He knows one day, he’ll take off or move one or retire then someone else may have to save the day. So why not let them show off their skills and be more useful. As a manager, when you move up the ladder, your team will up the notch too.

5. Identify IC and don’t force them to be a part of a team.

Did you ever see Professor forcing Wolverine to join X-men and stay with them? He knows the Logan is not a team player. Logan’s is a lone wolf and can do unimaginable stuff all alone. Identify if your team members are ICs (Individual contributor) and utilize them in such way. Some people may never like to work in teams but it doesn’t mean they are a waste, they just need to be utilized differently.

6. Use the hard way when its ‘enough’.

No one undermines Xavier, as they all know what he is capable of. Your team knows what you are capable of.

But you need to show them the stick, when they are not listening. A good manager is not the one who doesn’t give hard time to his team but the one who knows when to make it difficult for the team. You are in lead, you know what’s best. If they don’t listen make them do so. Or other will lose their trust in you.

Go ahead and save the day!!

Next up: Why you need a Magneto like “Friend”?

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