The Allure of the Superhero Cape! ??♂?

All organizations seek to build and manage programs while fostering a community of supporters. Achieving this goal requires the willing cooperation of colleagues, from the executive level down to the newest entry-level employees.

Gone are the days when a pizza party could compensate for low morale and disengaged team members.

I believe there are three common challenges leaders face when striving to recruit, retain, and maintain a vibrant workforce:

- Inspiring team members.

- Creating a culture that unlocks their inner awesome.

- Making employees feel valued as vital components of the organization.

In the superhero movie The Incredibles, Mr. Incredible longed for a cape despite already achieving numerous heroic missions. He believed wearing a cape—being visible and admired—was essential for his role as a superhero. To him, a cape symbolized heroism: dramatic, visually striking, and associated with iconic figures of strength and valor.

In the real world, this longing mirrors our pursuit of titles, accolades, and outward symbols of success. Many feel that to be significant, they need the equivalent of a cape—a prestigious title, a corner office, or public recognition.

While these symbols can provide a sense of validation, they do not represent the essence of true significance.

The Danger of Capes

In the movie, the “danger of the cape” is underscored by the wisdom of Edna Mode, the brilliant designer of superhero costumes. She vehemently rejects the idea of capes, citing numerous instances where they caused the downfall of superheroes. Her iconic admonition, “No capes!” serves as a sharp critique of clinging to superficial symbols of success.

Edna Mode’s wisdom teaches us that external symbols can often hinder rather than help. In professional life, this translates to the recognition that titles and accolades, while nice, are not what make us effective or influential. In fact, they can create barriers, distract us from our true goals, or lead to complacency and a false sense of security.

The True Source of Significance

Ultimately, Mr. Incredible’s journey reveals that true heroism and significance come from within. His greatest moments of heroism occur not when he is visible and admired but when he acts out of genuine concern for others. His dedication to saving his family, his perseverance in the face of adversity, and his willingness to serve selflessly demonstrate where true significance lies.

~Be Awesome, Dr. Kelvin

To gain more insights on moving beyond the superhero cape to embracing your unique differentiator, check out my NEW RELEASE, Drop The Cape: How to Ignite Your Influence and Brand Your Awesome.

CLICK HERE to learn more about my new book!