Why Heroic Individualism Fails in Leadership

Individual contributors are often incentivized to maximize their impact within a specific area of the business. This focus, combined with a well-defined scope of work, allows for divided labor that enhances productivity across the organization. Over time, these individuals may be celebrated for their heroic efforts—volunteering for additional assignments, working long hours, and taking pride in outperforming their peers.

However, when promoted to leadership roles with five or more direct reports, they often encounter new challenges. Many are advised to “just delegate,” but effective leadership goes far beyond task delegation. Leading others requires a different set of skills, including:

• Effective communication
• Building and maintaining relationships
• Fostering teamwork
• Resolving conflicts
• Identifying individual strengths and weaknesses
• Cultivating a team culture rooted in psychological safety

The qualities that drive heroic individualism—self-reliance and personal achievement—are often at odds with the skills needed to lead. This transition demands a profound shift from “How can I make myself look good?” to “How can I empower my team to succeed?” Many struggle with this change, finding it difficult to detach from the adulation they once received. Unlearning past habits, it turns out, can be harder than learning new ones.

Yet, there is hope. Thriving as a leader requires three essentials:

• A company culture that encourages growth, supports learning through mistakes, and values development.
• A willingness to learn and grow; ego can be the biggest obstacle here.
• A coach or mentor with a proven track record in leadership.

Throughout my career, I’ve seen top performers promoted quickly, only to exit just as quickly. They often possess deep technical expertise but communicate in ways that alienate others. Meanwhile, others from similar backgrounds have thrived, shifting their focus to help their team members reach goals and grow beyond their own expectations. The best leaders empower their team, looking forward rather than dwelling on past achievements.

One of favorite books on leadership, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C Maxwell sums up this discussion in his first 3 Laws.

1) The Law of the Lid - Leadership ability determines a person's level of effectiveness

• When faced with a challenge, my first thought is, Who can I enlist to help? Not, What can I do?

2) The Law of Influence - The true measure of leadership is your ability to influence others

• Rely on influence rather than position or title to get others to follow or do what is needed

3) The Law of Process - Leadership develops daily, not in a day

• Have a concrete plan for personal growth
• Identify experts and leaders for key areas to help growth

Where are you on your leadership journey? Are you prepared to shift from individual success to empowering others? What steps will you take to become a leader focused on collective success?

Thanks for reading my Sunday Reflection!

Yours Truly,

Omar Waller