Understanding leadershipOctober 9, 2015

Understanding leadership – Part 4: FIGHT FOR US… the "hero archetype"

Hero myths come from war stories—the rescuer, dragon-slayer, trials, sacrifice, nearly invulnerable yet lonely. Archetypes Father, Hero and Saviour matter for leadership; here the Hero (Neuberger 1995).

Heroes on screen

From fairy tales to Star Wars: the hero's journey—youth sets out, mentors, ordeals, overcomes the father figure.

The leader as lonely hero

Meet Hans-Ulrich, HR chief of a tech firm "responsible" for thousands. He lectures on work–family balance, then admits working ~80 hours including weekends while his wife "runs the home"—"someone has to do it for the company." A tragicomic lonely hero employees may still admire.

Hero as identification figure

"If we follow him, we share his greatness"—criticism forbidden, obedience required, excuse for not thinking. Heroic leaders justify voluntary submission.

Hero as transformational leader

Many leadership ideals stem from the heroic image and hunger for a saviour who breaks patriarchy and leads "transformation"—next post on transformational style. Heroes can be female too (Joan of Arc, Lara Croft). Next: the saviour archetype.

Questions about this topic? Reach out to us - the intro call is free and without obligation.

Schedule call

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first!