Stop Hogging the Cape: Let Your Team Be the Hero

Over the past few months, I’ve been traveling across the country leading programs on communication and persuasion. (Airline miles are piling up faster than my emails.) In every room, I’ve shared one powerful idea: Great leaders don’t step in as the hero. They step up as the guide.

Think about every great story you’ve ever heard. There is always a hero, a villain, and a guide.

The hero is the main character—the one who embarks on a journey, faces challenges, and strives to reach a goal. In leadership, the people you’re trying to influence and inspire are the heroes.

The villain is what stands in their way. It’s the obstacles, the conflicts, the messy situations that test their resolve. No cape-wearing nemesis required—sometimes the villain is just a stubborn process or a never-ending meeting.

The guide is the steady voice of wisdom, offering clarity, tools, and encouragement. The guide doesn’t fight the battles—he equips the hero to win them. Think Yoda, not Luke. That’s your role as a leader.

When leaders try to be the hero, they unintentionally steal the spotlight from their team. When leaders act as the guide, they create the conditions for others to step up, grow, and ultimately succeed. That shift—seeing yourself as the guide—is what transforms good leaders into great ones and builds the next generation of leadership.

Here’s the truth: Great leaders grow other leaders. Here’s how you can too:

• Offer stretch opportunities—Assign projects that challenge and build skill.

• Provide feedback—Help emerging leaders see both their strengths and their blind spots.

• Mentor actively—Share your experiences, mistakes, and lessons learned so they can step forward with confidence.

Who on your team is ready for the next step? (Hint: probably not the one still trying to “reply all” correctly—but with your guidance, they’ll get there.)