12 Best Leadership Lessons from Superhero Movies

Posted by Doug Rice on November 24, 2011, here:

http://12most.com/2011/11/24/12-explosive-leadership-lessons-superhero-movies/

"I am a HUGE fan of superhero movies. I didn’t grow up reading comic
books, so I guess I can’t really call myself an enthusiast. But I find
the movie genre to be downright exhilarating. Yes, they are cheesy. Yes,
there are way too many of them. But there’s something inspiring about
the motif of a hero rising from anonymity to overcome eminent danger and
save humanity. For an inspiring leader, there is perhaps no greater
entertainment.


1. X-Men: Leaders reconcile differences

“Mankind isn’t evil,” says Professor Xavier, “just uninformed.” The
entire premise of the X-Men trilogy is the struggle to create harmony
between humans and mutants. Professor X, leader of the mutant X-Men,
fights against mutants that seek humanity’s demise and tries to
reconcile the two parties. Great leaders, he demonstrates, are great
mediators.


2. Spider-Man: Leaders don’t let their gifts go to waste

“With great power comes great responsibility.” Spider-man, throughout
the trilogy, hangs onto to these words spoken to him by his murdered
Uncle Ben. At one point, Spider-Man considers giving up the fight
against crime, reasoning that he is free to do what he wants with his
life. These words snap him back into reality. Great leaders don’t let
their gifts go to waste but, rather, see them as a calling to do
something heroic.


3. The Incredibles: Leaders know what’s most important

“You are my greatest adventure,” Mr. Incredible tells his family,
“and I almost missed it.” Mr. Incredible, for much of the movie, longs
for the days when he was adored by the masses. He focuses too much on
the fame and glory of being a hero. In the end, when he almost loses his
family, he realizes that he’s had his priorities mixed up. Great
leaders know how to prioritize.


4. Batman Begins: Leaders show compassion

Bruce Wayne lives with a personal vendetta against the senseless
crime responsible for the murder of his parents. But you’ll never see
Batman kill anyone. Wayne’s nemisis, at one point, says to him, “Your
compassion is a weakness your enemies will not share,” to which he
responds, “That’s why it’s important. It separates us from them.”
Leaders recognize the value of others and never act in such that
indulges their sense of vengeance. Great leaders give second chances.


5. Fantastic Four: Leaders believe in teamwork

Throughout the movie, the members of the fantastic four are trying to
deal with interpersonal issues. Each has problems with the others. At
the end of the movie, it’s only through working together that they can
defeat their enemy. Cheesy? Yea. True? Even more so. Great leaders
recognize the value of teamwork.


6. Transformers: Leaders see potential in others

“They’re a young species. They have much to learn. But I’ve seen
goodness in them,” says Optimus Prime, leader of the Transformers, in
regards to human beings. Even though the Autobots are vastly superior
technologically, Optimus is willing to risk his life and the lives of
his men to save humanity…because he sees their potential. Great leaders
see big potential in “little” people.


7. Iron Man: Leaders value their legacy

“I had my eyes opened,” says Tony Stark of his time in captivity. “I
came to realize that I have more to offer the world than just making
things that blow up.” Tony, who becomes Iron Man, becomes a leader when
he starts thinking of the legacy he wants to leave behind. Great leaders
wish to be remembered for their benevolent contributions to society,
not their level of wealth or power.


8. The Incredible Hulk: Leaders exercise self-control

Can this one be any more obvious? Bruce Banner must be constantly
vigilant about his temper because, when he’s angry, he turns into a
giant, destructive, green monster. Great leaders do not fly off the
handle. Great leaders are calm and collected. Great leaders resist the
green monster inside them.


9. The Dark Knight: Leaders inspire hope

“Because sometimes the truth isn’t good enough,” says detective
Gordon. “Sometimes, people deserve more.” A lot of sick things are
happening in Gotham with the rise of the joker. But Batman makes a
choice that enables the people hold onto hope. Great leaders do not bog
their followers down with negativity and cynicism. They inspire their
people with a positive perspective and push them toward hope.


10. Thor: Leaders are humble

Thor’s character, for the majority of the movie, is arrogant,
self-willed, and obnoxious. It isn’t until he is stripped of his
kingship and cast from the heavens that he finds humility in
self-sacrifice. Great leaders think of others before they think of
themselves. They don’t brag about their strengths or accomplishments
but, instead, allow others to do so. Great leaders are great servants.


11. Green Lantern: Leaders conquer their fears

“The ring did not see that you are fearless,” Hal Jordan’s friend
says to him, “it saw that you have the ability to overcome fear.” Just
in the nick of time, Hal sees that he is able to conquer his fear by
admitting it to himself. Great leaders do not deny their fears or
vulnerabilities. They simply act in spite of them. And, in doing so,
they are able to both overcome and inspire victory in others.


12. Captain America: Leaders don’t forget where they come from

“What makes you so special?” Asks the Red Skull, Captain America’s
nemesis. “Nothing,” he responds, “I’m just a kid from Brooklyn.” Steven
Rogers, who became Captain America through a genetic-enhancing
operation, started off as a scrawny and yet gutsy kid trying
relentlessly to get into the military to serve his country in WWII. When
he actually gets muscles, he stays the same man inside. Great leaders
remember their roots, and it keeps them humble and steadfast.

There are many great superhero movies out there, with amazing lessons for leaders. What am I missing?"

I found this and thought it'd be interesting to share here.

Something that I've noticed is that every good movie has a message to it, a substance, that makes it worth watching.

The messages in the movies that were written above are important for anyone to remember. There are so many different applications for each of the different leadership qualities that were mentioned.

(I know this is out of order, but this was the best way I could put all my thoughts on this together)

Number 12, 10, and 3 I think are really important for people in the SuperHero Community to remember. It can be way too easy for someone to get caught up in media attention and forget what they had originally set out to do.

Number 1 and 5 are also very important. We all need to work together to work effectively, and we also need to help settle any misunderstandings or arguments that show up so that we can work together peacefully.

Number 2. A lot of people have abilities that they either don't realize, of they think aren't any good. People should look at what they're good at, and see how their gifts could be of benefit. Everything you're good at, you're good at for a reason.

Number 11. There was a quote in another movie (I forget the name of it) that says, "You see fear causes hesitation and hesitation will cause your worst fears to come true." A lot of people don't do things because they're afraid that they're not good enough to do them. What those people need to realize is, that doing something even if you're afraid is courage, and helps you overcome your fears.

Number 9, is also very important. Something that you say all the time Tothian is that we need to make the world more interesting to motivate the world to save itself.

Number 8. Self-control is talked about numerous time in the Bible, and for good reason. Everyone has the dark side inside them that they have to fight, and it's a continuous battle.

Number 7. Everyone is born to be extraordinary, but a whole lot of ordinary people die. Somewhere between their life and death, they gave up what was in store for them for "normalcy", to fit in. We have to remember to not let the crowd sway our way of thinking, and to be something other than "normal". Barely anyone remembers "normal" people, it's the extraordinary ones that are remembered for generations after they've passed, and who's message still rings on.

Number 6. It can be all too easy to pass a newbe off as "stupid", or an "idiot". We have to remember that we were all like that once, and to encourage these people to be the best they can be. Who are you willing to listen and look up to more, someone who puts you down, or someone who wants to help you be all you can be? No one wants to be a "newbe", so help them to not be one.

Number 4. Compassion is one of the core elements of heroism. Forgiving someone and giving them another chance is good for not only that person, but for yourself as well. The story of Jonah in the Bible shows this very well.

ShowStopper,
Very well written. You made some really good points there.

Dark Ghost,
That is true. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on that.

Leadership is a strange and fluxing phonenomena, while im a strong and firm believer in 5 ,6 , 9 and 11 . Another idea is your team is only as strong as the weakest link.

Trone,

1, 2, 5, and 6 were my personal favorites from the list. As for what you said about the chain theory, that's a good point, for a lot of the time. There are also times when a good Leader can take a group and make the weakest of the group in to the strongest - and even if not, good Leaders can inspire and motivate others to strive for the unlikely and seemingly possible, to make it possible. Finding what they are good at, if willing to learn, and/or contribute, etc.

very true everyone has a skill set that other might not have.

Yes. That includes skills, knowledge, experience, and goals. The idea is to help them make best of their potential.