What Today’s Superheroes can Teach us about Tomorrow’s Leaders
How many of us make a conscious effort to live day-to-day by our own personal ideals and values? (hint: Showing up to Church on Easter Sunday doesn’t make you Mother Teresa). The Superhero journey reveals the significance of discovering and developing our own personal ideals and philosophies to become a more focused and conscious leader — I’ve identified 3 critical challenges below to help guide you in your own journey:
The (Neglected) Superhero Journey
The recent success of The Black Panther (among other Marvel characters) has caused me to reflect on the Superhero journey as it relates to the psychological hurdles and “passage” (i.e. fears, trials & tribulations, triumphs) faced by these characters and how it relates to the similar journeys of the everyday leaders (entrepreneurs, executives, ect.).
I’m sure we’re all familiar with the quintessential Superhero journey…the once “everyday” person who’s trials and tribulations suddenly result in a pivotal moment, only to wake up one morning to develop super-human strength and capabilities in the long-lasting pursuit to defeat evil and getting the girl (or guy) at the end. These story-lines and character developments resonate with a broad audience due to the character’s ability to overcome obstacles at all cost; and in unique ways, draw us in and inspire us to conquer our own personal challenges.
If you take a moment and reflect on the “superheroes” who you aspire to be — they commonly embody this “more than human” perception…why is that? What defines a “superhero” and what makes them “separate from the crowd”? What part of the superhero’s journey parallels “legacy” professionals we aspire to be? Is it their ability to use natural or unique hidden talents that are far above the norm to create unimaginable products or the ability to overcome and achieve the impossible?
There’s a critical point to every superhero journey that is often neglected and yet extremely relevant to the most successful leaders: the development and extreme devotion to personal ideals and philosophies during periods of adversity, vulnerability, and most importantly; absolute safety and success….and this is harder than you think.
Challenge #1: Understanding the End Game
Surrealist artist, Salvador Dali (pictured left), who’s work was often inspired by “desire,” (among others) believed that desire was the essence to be alive; we all want to apply our natural passions and talents, be recognized and rewarded by our peers, and to feel loved or accomplished. Personal ideals and philosophies should embody and exemplify what it means to be human; in essence, our desires — this requires continuous insight on our own individual “end game.”
Based on your daily habits, what would you identify as your personal “end game”? Would your personal ideals and philosophies stand the test of time? Do they reveal what you are willing to fight for at all cost? Are your personal ideals limited to the pursuit of material possessions that can be lost or fade away over time? Are your ideals and core principles only self-serving and not for the greater good of others? A deep understanding of your end game will help drive daily purpose and intent; yet keep in mind the “end game” will likely change over time.
Challenge #2: The Mimetic Theory
An understanding of the end-game presents another challenge, in what is referred to as the Mimetic Theory ….why does one desire what everyone else wants? (material objects, jobs, destination vacations, ect.).
Stanford Philosophy Professor, Rene Girard (pictured left), developed the Mimetic Theory, which states the most basic way in which humans learn is through imitation of others and as a result, we often mimic or imitate the desires of other human beings. This was the underlining philosophy that convinced Peter Thiel to invest in Facebook and conclude that social media was going to be a breakthrough concept. A critical challenge in developing and displaying extreme devotion to personal ideals is often not conforming to the crowd (materialism, laziness, emotional self-serving, etc) and instead, devoting yourself to something much bigger than just yourself.
Challenge #3: Taking Action
I recently came across a fascinating study from Ohio State University that analyzed 273 individuals and conducted 35 in-depth interviews of those who participated in rescue efforts to help save the Tutsi from violence in Rwanda leading up to 1994 (full report here). The study attempted to answer why certain individuals make the conscious yet difficult choice of pursuing a path of heroism over the easy path of safety. Overall, the study de-emphasized personality traits and instead brought to light the importance of how social and situational context played a role in those who participated in rescue efforts; concluding that anyone has the capability of being a “hero.”
“The dangers of life are infinite, and among them is safety” — Goethe
Why do some individuals take action and others seek safety? At what point is one compelled to take action? Is it only after experiencing regret and remorse from a lack of action that we come to the realization that action is the answer? A true and deep understanding of taking action is an acceptance of personal responsibility, self-expression, and an understanding that your personal ideals and philosophies represent something much bigger than just yourself (i.e. legacy, culture, ect).
The perfect example of a superhero’s journey experiencing a pivotal moment of truth and taking action is in Batman Begins (2 min clip here). In this scene, Bruce Wayne (played by Christian Bale — much better than Ben Affleck) is approached by Ra’s al Ghul (played by Liam Neeson) in prison. He suggests that Bruce Wayne is lost and can offer him an alternative and more focused path that’s aligned with his goals to fight evil in Gotham (alignment of the end game); this includes a devotion to his core ideals (Mimetic Theory), and Bruce decides to take action (devotion to something bigger than himself).
A vigilante is just a man lost in the scramble for his own gratification…he can be destroyed or locked up.
But if you make yourself more than just a man…if you devote yourself to an ideal…and if they can’t stop you — you become something else entirely…a legend, Mr. Wayne.
— Batman Begins
Next Step: Your Ideals & Philosophies
I’ve listed my own personal ideals and philosophies below (not to self-promote but hopefully will inspire others). I am by no means claiming to be “superhuman” and I don’t claim to live up to these ideals daily, but they are something to live up to and strive for everyday and will likely evolve over time (note, these are listed in addition to the basics such as honesty, integrity, and respect):
What are your personal ideals you’re willing to stand for in the face of adversity, safety, and success?
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