Ways to Nullify Leadership: Be the hero

While reading John Maxwell’s book, Leadership Gold, I became aware that there are various ways of applying the concept of leadership. Boomers, Gen X’ers and Millennials would probably define and view leadership differently. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, because we must always assess why we do what we do.

There was a time when the best way to demonstrate leadership was by being the hero. If there is a problem, the hero steps in to save the day. The hero always has the answer because they are the smartest person in the room. Everything is better when it is done their way. While that may seem appropriate, it ultimately nullifies leadership. 

Being the hero doesn’t empower others. If anything, it creates a “leadership lid”. Others won’t grow if we always save the day. I’ve heard it said, “if you are the smartest person in the room, find another room.”  More often than not, the hero-complex is rooted by insecurity. That’s for another blog post. 

When we stop attempting to be the hero, we unlock the potential in others. Leadership, then, is about helping other discover that they are heroes in there own right. 

How can you make someone the hero today?