Hero or Leader?

by Kathy Seaton

At a time of strife, difficulty, and unpredictability, we need to find leaders, not heroes. Leaders don’t just come in for the save—they come in to create comfort and to find the greatness in all of us. 

Our new virtual reality has created challenges—challenges that can only be met by a leader. As we’re searching for a leader, know that this is a person is the one that we look to for direction. But, what’s important, is that leaders breed collaboration, so that we all have a say, we all have a purpose. Leaders set goals and announce them differently, and first and foremost, they have different types of relationships with people. 

Unlike heroes, independent thinking leaders start with an objective that’s really important, yet nearly impossible to achieve, or as it seems. But they know it can’t be accomplished by just one person. They know that they have to ask for help and that they must to rely on people, all staff, to solve insurmountable, or even day-to-day obstacles. 

The “hero” plan is realized by the notion of the big win. But rest assured, leaders want help to create the plan, they promote co-creation, they believe in communication and engagement, and they realize that change requires a village. 

Being a leader is much more difficult than serving as a hero. Why? Because it requires the ability to be vulnerable and the unique talent of being transparent and open. 

So, think about this. Deciding to be a hero is the safe and easy solution, right? But leaders understand that it’s worth the effort to take a risk and to learn to get good at it. And before you become a true leader, you need to allow yourself to experience growth, not only in yourself, but in others. 

And that’s exactly what leaders do.