To Be Heroic, Think Like a Villain

As a boy, I idolized comic book heroes who always did the right thing and always won. Back then, the world seemed simple—heroes were good, and villains were bad. But as I grew older and confronted the complexities of the real world—systemic racism, inherent bias, and other seemingly intractable problems—I began to see these heroes differently. I realized they often did the easy work, reacting to problems instead of using their talents, skills, and resources to create lasting change.

In contrast, the so-called evil masterminds had something the heroes didn’t: a plan. These villains thought several steps ahead, shaping the world to fit their vision rather than simply reacting to it. While it’s satisfying to see villains foiled, it’s disappointing to think the heroes won only by chance. This strategic foresight of the bad guys, though often misguided, was something I couldn’t help but admire.

Strategy isn’t the exclusive domain of villains. In the real world, it’s an essential tool for anyone aiming to make a positive impact. The key takeaway here is that to make a lasting impact, whether in fiction or reality, the real challenge for those in the social impact sector is to focus on proactive planning rather than only reacting to problems.

Harnessing the “Strategic Appeal” of Villains

Supervillains like Lex Luthor and Doctor Doom don’t just react to the world—they actively shape it. Luthor becomes President of the United States to defeat Superman, and Doctor Doom steals the power of god-like beings to remake the universe. These feats weren’t achieved by luck. They resulted from meticulous planning, preparation, and strategy.

If you strip away their desires for power, revenge, and evil, you’re left with a strategic blueprint that, when applied ethically, could lead to real-world success. This strategic thinking makes villains’ approaches compelling and worth examining.

Nonprofits are doing the heroic work of helping people. These leaders and staff are deeply committed to their missions, driven by big hearts and a genuine desire to make a difference. They are focused on doing the work, often under challenging circumstances, and their dedication is inspiring.

However, these leaders must be strategic and forward-thinking to enable more impact and d even greater good. This is where the "villainous" art of scheming, planning, and strategic foresight can be borrowed to do more good. It’s not enough to react to problems as they arise; we need to anticipate challenges, devise plans, and think several steps ahead. By adopting this mindset, nonprofit leaders can amplify their impact, ensuring their efforts are effective and transformative. I encourage these leaders to continue their heroic good deeds and embrace the strategic mindset of a villain—one who schemes not for power but for the greater good.

Villainous Tactics for Heroic Ends

Interestingly, heroes sometimes adopt these villainous tactics for noble purposes. Batman, for example, uses intimidation and deception to achieve his goals. Whether it's striking fear into Gotham's criminals or manipulating his enemies to gain the upper hand, Batman understands that to fight darkness, he sometimes has to step into the shadows.

But while Batman's methods are effective, in a way, they raise an important question: As a billionaire funder of the Wayne Foundation, where are the programs that truly stop crime before it starts? Where are his efforts to build a better society with education, healthcare, and access to opportunity? If Bruce Wayne borrowed the strategic thinking of Ra’s Al Ghul, focusing on systemic change instead of theatrics, Gotham might be a much better place. (Granted, I doubt even Christopher Nolan could make "Wayne Foundation Begins" as thrilling as his Batman trilogy.)

Real-World Strategic Thinking

Successful leaders make the most of strategic thinking. Steve Jobs, for example, revolutionized the tech industry by thinking several steps ahead of his competitors. He wasn’t just responding to market demands—he was anticipating future needs and creating products people didn’t even know they wanted until they saw them. His ability to plan for the long term while balancing short-term pressures set Apple apart as a leader in innovation.

Similarly, Winston Churchill’s leadership during World War II exemplifies strategic brilliance. Churchill understood the importance of not just reacting to Nazi aggression but proactively planning the Allied response. His foresight and ability to galvanize support were crucial in turning the tide against the Axis powers. These examples highlight how strategic foresight, when aligned with ethical leadership, can drive success.

Applying a “Villainous” Approach

In my own work, I’ve often embraced what I call a "villainous" approach—not in terms of morality, but in terms of strategic foresight in the political communications arena. I have always considered what could go wrong unintentionally, what competitors or political opponents might be planning on purpose to derail my message and how to stay one step ahead.

This pre-crisis mindset has been crucial in navigating complex communications challenges throughout my career. By thinking strategically and “like a villain to beat a villain,” I anticipate obstacles before they arise, allowing me to craft strategies that protect my message and advance my goals. This doesn’t mean abandoning ethics or integrity; rather, it’s about being prepared, strategic, and resilient. In a world where the unexpected is the norm, this kind of thinking ahead is not just helpful—it’s necessary.

Blending Strategy with Heroic Ideals

While strategic thinking can be a powerful tool, it’s essential to consider the ethical implications. Jobs, despite his visionary leadership, faced criticism for Apple’s labor practices in China. This case underscores the importance of balancing strategic goals with ethical considerations, ensuring that the pursuit of success doesn’t come at the expense of human rights and dignity.

To be truly heroic, we must blend the emotional connections and values that drive heroes with the proactive planning and foresight often attributed to villains in the comics. Instead of merely reacting to problems as they arise, we should think ahead, anticipate challenges, and craft strategies that serve the greater good. This approach allows us to be both visionary and ethical in our efforts to build a better world.

P.S. I would happily work for the Wayne Foundation by day, crafting social behavior change communications strategies and patrolling the streets at night. Batman should have a spokesperson, shouldn’t he?