How to be their leader, not their hero
Heroes come in many forms: first responders, military service, healthcare workers, human rights activists, community activists, and educators.
Heroes are defined by their courage and dedication to others, particularly when they put themselves at great risk and sacrifice for the well-being of others.
Heroes and leaders have several similarities, including:
Vision and purpose
Courage
Resilience
Service to others
Inspiration
Though these similarities are admirable, there are significant reasons why we should be leaders of our organizations, not heroes.
First, leaders assess challenges, recommend strategies, and implement changes for sustainability, whereas heroes resolve an immediate crisis. A leader’s influence will also impact an entire team or organization, whereas a hero’s impact may not have as much positive impact or influence. A leader also prioritizes horizontal communication and collaboration for team building, whereas heroes tend to operate as loners. Lastly, leaders share their wins and successes with others, whereas a hero alone receives glory and recognition.
When you find yourself becoming too important to the organization, or you feel your role may be viewed as the hero, and not the leader, please consider this strategy:
Develop others instead of solving every problem: focus on coaching, mentoring, and empowering.
Build and implement systems: create processes and procedures to ensure success continues, even in your absence.
Increase your collaboration and delegation: distribute the responsibility to those who have passion and capacity.
As a father of 2 boys, overnight I became their hero, solving their immediate needs and concerns, but as they grow older, my role will change from hero to leader. I must empower them to assess and address their problems, as I transition as their father (leader and guide), not the hero.
Our organizations, communities, teams, and families need leaders, not heroes. They need you.