Raising Heroes Part 5: Brand Yourself a Hero

Raising Heroes Part 5: Brand Yourself a Hero

How to Raise a Hero Rather Than a Bystander

Bold Leadership Requires Bravery & Heroism Overcoming Privilege, Politics & Political Correctness?

A hero is a real person who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage, or strength.?

The psychology of heroism and evil is fascinating, read all my articles on LinkedIn ~ Raising Heroes ~ or tune into Facebook presentation.

Surprisingly many of the principals are consistent with effective crisis & disaster management strategies.

Heroes act despite the potential of negative opinions of others. The key to heroism is a concern for other people in need, a concern to defend a moral cause, knowing there is a personal risk, done without expectation of reward.

The privileged are those who watch yet do nothing. Fearing the negative opinions of others Privilege is safe, risk adverse, political posturing, cowardly.?Often individuals who fail to walk their talk.

Heroes act…despite the potential for negative outcomes or opinions of others.?

“For heroes their walk is louder than their talk.” Rachel Quilty

We need more heroes. To move from passive bystanders to positive active bystanders.

We must encourage more people to perform heroic acts. Whether confronting injustice, a school yard bully, crime, human trafficking, or acts of war and terrorism. We need to explore why good people sometimes do bad things whether intentional or unconsciously.?

Increasingly prevalent is fear in our communities. Fear that leads to silence, indecision, self-doubt and inaction on one hand and due to uncertainty and insecurity angry, aggression and violence on another.

As the President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine said, “The Choice is between Fear and Freedom.”

So, within the context of branding and creating bold leaders, iconic personal brands and legacy brands – to be Brand Yourself the Authority in your field, I expanded the idea to recognise that life lessons provide the purpose, and that purpose moves us within the journey to contribute to an overall mission. As such, “Your brand journey, your life experiences, and your life’s lessons are aligned to your brand purpose and mission.”?

“Your brand journey, your life experiences, and your life’s lessons are aligned to your brand purpose and mission.” Rachel Quilty

Prof Zimbardo tells us the key to heroism is a concern for other people in need—a concern to defend a moral cause, knowing there is a personal risk, done without expectation of reward.?

And you might be wondering why I am speaking on this topic – Raising Heroes – Developing Strong, Bold Leadership which requires Bravery and Heroism. The psychology of bystanders and of heroism

My name is Rachel Quilty. I am a Brand Communication Consultant and Personal Brand Strategist at Jump the Q Inc.

I am a brand management consultant, specialising in two areas personal branding and internal brand communication. My background is an Industrial Relations Advocate representing employers in disputes, safety matters, in Govt forums, disseminating legal obligations as well as develop practical solutions on an industry wide bases to advance education and compliance. My roles have require high level strategic thinking and problem solving and critical crisis management.?

Personal branding is the best success tool ever devised for professional development and personal growth.?Over ten years of personal and business brand consultations I developed a Brand Yourself Action Plan. And I developed a prerequisite consultation which was really a personal brand audit or SWOTT analysis. You can get this resource free at brandyourselfblueprint.com

This training is cross-contextual. It has application to?

- leadership and management

- branding, sales and marketing

- crisis disaster management

- emergency, health care, and police response?

- parenting & raising responsible adults

- schools & countering bullying and bullies

- activating volunteers, growth NGO causes and movements?

Heroes, have two key qualities, according to heroism researchers Philip Zimbardo and Zeno Franco. First, they live out their values and their beliefs. They defend TRUTH. Second, they incur some personal risk to do so.

Important to note they live out their values and beliefs, their purpose and mission.?

What is important to you??

Are you doing what you are alive for?

Are you developing your ability and expertise?

At Jump the Q we have developed some tools to Brand Yourself a Hero.

1.Brand Yourself Action Plan – recognition of purpose and path in your life lessons, letting go of the problem and becoming the solution, finding the good. Identifying skill development

2. Brand Yourself the Expert – developing competence and capacity, and being confident in your ability. Practicing and preparing for opportunities to showcase talents. Looking at systems.?

3. Brand Yourself the Authority – developing your unique niche or path, not comparing yourself, being comfortable in own expertise. Get this level of mastery that affords you opportunities elsewhere and looking at incremental improvements and really were you may be able to break the rules.

Similar principles are identified in one of the Japanese concepts I will discuss shortly.?

Bystanders stand by and watch while other are bullied. Heroes don't let bullying happen, they intervene, get help.?

Bystanders watch while evil takes root but are too frightened, or apathetic, to take a stand.

So how do we foster personal heroic activities and ambition and learn to think like heroes.

Firstly, heroes have a strong awareness of things that aren't right. With these skills, we can learn to avert danger before it occurs and minimise the escalation.

According to Latané and Darley, there are five characteristics of emergencies that affect bystanders:

1. Emergencies involve threat of harm or actual harm

2. Emergencies are unusual and rare

3. The type of action required in an emergency differs from situation to situation

4. Emergencies cannot be predicted or expected

5. Emergencies require immediate action

Due to these five characteristics, bystanders go through cognitive and behavioural processes:

a. Notice that something is going on

b. Interpret the situation as being an emergency

c. Degree of responsibility felt

d. Form of assistance

e. Implement the action choice

Ensuring people have the power and ability to resolve a conflict. In order to act heroically, individuals need to have confidence in their interpersonal skills that they can stand up for what they believe in.?

It is important to express the expectation that individuals will act heroically. Teaching positive conflict resolution, grit and the growth mindset is important. Modelling care and empathy towards others, while downplaying the importance of achievement outcomes.?

There are several concrete steps I have developed to foster effective crisis management and what Zimbaro calls the heroic imagination.?These include:-

1. Critical thinking, Information Gathering and Problem Solving

We can start by remaining mindful, carefully and critically evaluating each situation we encounter so that we don’t gloss over an emergency requiring our action.?

We should try to develop our “discontinuity detector”—an awareness of things that don’t fit, are out of place, or don’t make sense in a setting.

This means asking questions to get the information we need to take responsible action. We act intentionally or consciously.

2. Comfortable with Uncomfortable Situations Where We Challenge People Views

Second, it is important not to fear interpersonal conflict, and to develop the personal hardiness necessary to stand firm for principles we cherish. In fact, we shouldn’t think of difficult interactions as conflicts but rather as attempts to challenge other people to support their own principles and ideology.

3. Strategic Thinking of Current Action with Future Outcomes

Third, we must remain aware of an extended time-horizon, not just the present moment. We should be engaged in the current situation, yet also be able to detach part of our analytical focus to imagine alternative future scenarios that might play out, depending on different actions or failures to act that we take in the present. In addition, we should keep part of our minds on the past, as that may help us recall values and teachings instilled in us long ago, which may inform our actions in the current situation.

4. Act Out a Sense of the Greater Good.?

Finally, we must try to transcend anticipating negative consequence associated with some forms of heroism, such as being socially ostracized. If our course is just, we must trust that others will eventually recognize the value of our heroic actions. By passing a series of smaller tests of our mettle, we can cultivate a personal habit of heroism.

5. Understand Your Values and Align Your Actions to them

Fourth, we have to resist the urge to rationalize inaction and to develop justifications that recast evil deeds as acceptable means to supposedly righteous ends which means we are clear about our values, we have code or creed or Manifesto or Brand Vision & Mission Statement, family rules.

If we lose the ability to imagine ourselves as heroes, and to understand the meaning of true heroism, our society will be poorer for it. Reconnecting with ancient wisdom and ideals, can create a connection with the hero within ourselves.?

Develop a Personal Code of Honour as a foundational tool.

A Personal Code of Honor is a valuable tool which we assist client to unearth in our FREE Brand Workbook at www.BrandYourselfBlueprint.com. And further refine as part of Jump the Q’s Brand Yourself Action Plan we develop a Personal Code or Modus Operandi ie a habitual way of operating, which forms a discernible pattern. It is important to remind you that personal branding is really about determining your brand values, what’s important to you and these values are reflected in how you spend your time.?

A significant Code of Honour to consider is the Japanese - Bushido.??

The Bushido: The Samurai Code of Japan documented by Inazo Nitobe?

The Bushido Code outlines the eight virtues of the Samurai?

I. Rectitude or Justice.

II. Courage.

III. Benevolence or Mercy.

IV. Politeness. ... respect

V. Honesty and Sincerity.

VI. Honor.

VII. Loyalty.

VIII. Character and Self-Control. Ganbaru (a Japanese word meaning "to persist").

Movies have been made about the Sumari from Japan and their ancient wisdom. Recently leadership research continues to reference Japanese wisdom and I often reference for example, the Japanese concept Ikigai of finding meaning and value and Kaizen for improving performance in relation to your personal brand. Brian Klemmer’s books, “The Honor Code and The Compassionate Samurai: Being Extraordinary in an Ordinary World” is also a great reference for developing a Code of Honour.??

To further consider the development of heroes these ancient Japanese concepts that contribute to living a successful life have been included. These include: -?

1. Ikigai?- (ikey-guy)

Ikigai is the convergence four primary elements: what you love (your passion), what the world needs (your mission), what you are good at (your vocation), and what you can get paid for (your profession). Take time to reflect and design your life.?

Lesson: Live worthy – Live a meaningful and beneficial life?

2. Kaizen.?(Ki-zen)

?Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning change for the better or continuous improvement. It is a Japanese business philosophy that concerns the processes that continuously improve operations and involve all employees. Kaizen sees improvement in productivity as a gradual and methodical process.

Lesson: Always seek to improve in all areas of life.

3. Shikita ga nai. (Shik kita ga ni)

Shikita is the art of letting go.?Recognize that there are some things just out of your control..

Lesson: Let go and focus on what you can change. Let go of what you cannot change.

4. Wabi-sabi?(W A bi sarbee)

Wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature. It is prevalent in many forms of Japanese art.

Wabi-sabi recognizes that nothing in life is perfect, including yourself and others. Find peace in imperfection.

Lesson: Instead of thriving for flawlessness, find joy in the imperfections that makes your life unique.

5. Oubaitori. (pronounced oh-bay-tory)

Oubaitori is “a Japanese idiom that comes from the kanji for the four trees that bloom in spring: cherry, plum, apricot and peach.” “Each flower blooms in its own time and it's a reminder that everyone is on their own journey through life.”

Oubaitori, means not only stop comparing yourself, but also being aware of your uniqueness. Therefore, you must learn to treat yourself with more kindness. It's important to focus on your own progress, rather than trying to measure yourself against others.

Lesson: The lesson is to not compare yourself to others and that everyone has a different timeline and unique path.

6. Gaman (Gar – man)

The Art of Perseverance in Japan, this effort is known as 'gaman'. Simply put, it's the idea that individuals should show patience and perseverance when facing unexpected or difficult situations, and by doing so maintain harmonious social ties.

Lesson: Commit to an outcome despite the obstacles

7. Shu-Ha-Ri.

Shuhari is a Japanese martial art concept which describes the stages of learning to mastery. This concept is very valuable in leadership roles as it recognises that you must firstly be an expert, be sufficiently flexible to manage to rules and then have sufficient mastery to create your own system and rules that develop successful outcomes.?

The three levels of Shuhari mastery are:-

1. Shu - Follow the rules, obeying the rules to keep or maintain.?

2. Ha - Move away from the rules, to detach or break free.?

3. Ri - Unconsciously finding an individual path, means to go beyond or transcend.

Lesson: Be so proficient that ultimately you can create your own rules.?

While there are a number of contributing factors to heroism, studies show personal history matters. Having survived a disaster or personal trauma, deeply personal commitment, a great inner strength, or having the skills, acuity and competency makes you three times more likely to be a hero and an active volunteer.?

As mentioned, Zimbardo defines heroism as an activity with four parts.

Part 1. Heroism performs a service to others in need or in defence of certain ideals.?

Part 2. that heroes go beyond something required by duty, even military duty.

Part 3. Heroism performed with recognition of possible risks and costs, and

Part 4. Heroism is performed without external gain anticipated at the time of the act.

Clearly at the heart of a hero is caring about the outcome and being willing to do extraordinary things to safe guard it. As Eli Wiesel said, “The opposite of evil in not hate it is indifference.”?

Tony Robbin’s promotes seeking fulfillment over achievement. The question is how then can we do this find meaning and purpose in our success. There are many incredible trainers in this field. One that continues to transform individual lives into wealthy visionaries by address the underpinning issues is the Neuro Transformation training of Christopher Howard building on the old NLP models.

Chirs Howard states, “Our mind is a potent tool. With it, we can model behaviors, attitudes, and belief systems of our heroes to design our desired reality… integrating the principles that these individuals exemplify into your life fabric.”

He likens the process, “Consider an actor preparing for a role. They immerse themselves in the character, … In the process, they become the character, embodying the persona to such an extent that the audience perceives no distinction. This method acting is akin to how we can model our heroes, manifesting the traits and accomplishments we admire in them within ourselves.”

He asks the question, “Remember, we shape our lives not by the challenges we face but by the heroes we choose to emulate. Who are your heroes? “ And it is a great idea to identify the iconic personal brands or heroes you would like to emulate and mind map some of their beliefs.?

He encapsulates the ‘Heroes Journey” by outlining that “Ultimately, the essence of life is not just about reaching our destination, but more importantly, about the individuals we become along the way.?So, embrace the journey and trust the process. Recognize that every challenge you face is moulding you, honing you for the future you are meant to embrace.”

Embrace the Essence of Freedom: Unleash Your Journey to Success by Chris Howard.

Step 1: Shed the Weight of Envy and Comparison

Step 2: Release Resentment and Practice Forgiveness

Step 3: Cultivate Generosity and Collaboration

Step 4: Confront Your Fears with Courage

Step 5: Embrace a Life of Purpose and Fulfillment

In sales, branding, influence we look at what motivates people save time money and effort. General people move away from pain and towards pleasure. The Heroes Journey or Heros Story or the Epiphany Bridge as Russell Brunson outlines is the point of the story where the Hero determines the solution and reinvents his life story. This solution is aligned to your success and building your client base.?

Tony Robbins, when are asked what motivates people? Shares this research which is connected to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.?He suggests:-

1 Certainty/security

2. Uncertainty/ variety

3. Significance

4 Love

5 Growth

6 Contribution

On a greater scale, government must look at Maslow Hierarchy of Needs to supporting social justice to counter poverty and the vulnerabilities that accompany it.?

Simon Sinek further identifies in a presentation about war and Game theory why some motivation is more effective than others. He points out some nations have Sum Zero Game, and highlights that nations and individuals that in the long game are those who have a commitment to the importance of values over interests are likely to be the ultimate winners because it is importantly vital. Not merely an interest.?

On a personal level this means that motivation is driven from your values, what is important to you.

Viktor Frankl - Decided to Live Victim vs Survivor mentality.

Viktor Frankl was an Austrian neurologist and psychologist who founded what he called the field of “Logotherapy”. Logotherapy developed in and through Frankl's personal experience in the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz and Dachau, from 1942 to 1945.

Logotherapy, or “healing through meaning” in Greek, is the psychological theory developed by Viktor Frankl. Based on his experiences he formulated his meaning-centered approach which promotes freedom of choice and personal responsibility.

Three philosophical and psychological concepts make up Frankl's logotherapy: freedom of will, will to meaning, and meaning of life (Batthyany, 2019). Following is a brief explanation and quote related to each one.?

Freedom Of Will - asserts that humans are free to decide and can take a stance toward both internal and external conditions.

Victor Frankl's quote: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.”

Will To Meaning - Frankl then surmised that the primary force that motivates people in life is to find meaning. He called it 'will to meaning'. To find your purpose.

Victor Frankl's quote: Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.

Meaning of life - His meaning-centered approach promoted freedom of choice and personal responsibility. That the meaning of life was the one you attributed it in response to your circumstances.

Victor Frankl's quote: Each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.?

One of Frankl's most famous motivational quotes is the following based on his work with Logotherapy and it a good place to conclude that to Brand Yourself a Hero you must choose how you respond to circumstances – The Hero or The Bystander.?

“The one thing you can't take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one's freedoms is to choose one's attitude in any given circumstance. Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue. Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” Viktor Frankl.

The most iconic personal brands, the greatest leaders were all by definition heroes.?Recognised. Revered. Remembered.?

Brand Yourself a Hero

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