Sunday, November 22, 2009

What Sort of Super-Hero Leader Are You?

In one episode of Season 3 of Heroes, the cheerleader is asked: ‘What sort of superhero are you?’ She was auditioning for a job at a comic-book store.

I thought: That is a good question! If you were a leader, what sort of superhero leader would you be?

Let’s steer away from the simplistic and superficial response of good and bad. Few would unhesitatingly claim ‘bad’. If you were a martinet or dictator you would still be effective. You may not like me for making tough decisions, yet somebody has to make them. Since nobody is willing to step up to the plate – I will. In making painful and tough decisions that affect others, the leader has to decide and act. Think about letting a team-member go, or holding a staff back from promotion because you felt that they were not ready yet.

If you chose to be the nice leader, how would you demonstrate your style? What would be your approach? The leader who is revered?

In comic-book hero term, what would your special power be? If you could heal fast, then you may be leader who resolves conflict. If you could read minds, then you may be skillful in empathy and active listening. If you could move fast between places, then you may be a leader who has a sense of urgency and multi-tasks effectively. If you could move through time, you may be a strategist who links the past and present with future, possible outcomes. You may also make the link between history and tradition, with future-orientated innovation.

What sort of powers would you like to possess?

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