Why Employers Should Aspire To Be Like Captain America

It should come as no surprise that I saw The Avengers: Age Of Ultron on opening night. And while I am disappointed to say it was not my favorite installation, I still enjoyed it. Kind of. Well, as much as I could after three Jack and Cokes at ten o’clock at night, sprawled out in a big La-Z-Boy seat. Way past my bedtime. =)

Anyway…

I’m definitely not happy that Tony Stark has lost his swagger. That was one of the most fun parts of these movies. But what was really cool to me was seeing Captain America really take charge and lead his troops, so to speak. There’s so much to respect about a guy who strives to always do what is right and just. But not only that. He knows people. He understands their strengths and weaknesses and aligns them to the tasks where they can best deliver value to an endeavor.

Employers, take note. You can learn a few things from Captain America’s leadership style.

1. Check your emotions at the door – During The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Cap realized that what he’d wanted out of life before he’d been frozen was very different from what his life’s mission had become so many decades later. He has a duty to support the greater good and lives to fulfill it. His needs are pushed to the back burner as he strives to conquer evil and protect the lives of the innocent.

2. Stay true to your moral center – Tough decisions aren’t always the popular ones but a strong leader understands the potential negative impact of ambivalence and complacency. Cap always strives to do what’s right even if he knows the decisions will not be embraced wholeheartedly. He never backs down from what he believes is the right thing to do.

3. Be loyal to your brand – Just like Cap is recognized for traits such as individualism, justice and fairness, employers should make sure they are exemplifying the elements of their brand – what sets their company apart from the competition.

4. Take care of your own – Employees are the backbone of any business. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is critical to ensuring you have the best people making decisions on your behalf. Cap knew which of his counterparts he could count on to deliver results. Hulk, SMASH!!!!!