Day 1 of my week long series on Incredible Leadership.
No matter how many times I save the world, prevent a spill, or soothe a crying kid, another problem will arise to take it’s place. Some days, it feels like a never ending cycle of change the diaper, stop a bad guy from robbing the bank, take out the trash, and before you know it, it’s bedtime. I ask myself if I’m actually parenting because sometimes it feels like I’m not doing anything. But then I remember that Batman had Robin. Eventually, Robin became Nightwing, before becoming the leader of the Teen Titans. My point is that sidekicks grow-up into leading roles and babies grow up into fine young men.
“Why do we fall Master Bruce? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.” – Alfred Pennyworth says this to a young and hurting Bruce Wayne in “Batman Begins”. He teaches Bruce how to dust himself off and keep going, even after severe disappointment. Kids look to their mentor for how to act, what to say, and who to be. Mentor is just another name for Dad. It’s my job to help keep Boy Wonder’s head in the game as he grows up.
Because good leadership is a superpower, I’m going to spend the next week writing about lessons in leadership. Some, I’ve borrowed from DC and Marvel’s finest, and some I’ve learned myself. From Batman to Incredidad there is one thing I’ve learned; “It’s not who I am underneath but what I do that defines me.” – Batman Begins. So, You can take away my mask, you can take away my super-suit, but there’s one thing you can never take away from me: I am IncrediDad.
Batman knew he was the hero Gotham needed, not the one it deserved. Tony Stark saw his weapons technology could threaten the world so, as Iron Man, he fought to correct his mistake. Superman wasn’t from this galaxy but he took responsibility for the people of Metropolis. Why would they all do this? It’s like Uncle Ben told Spider-Man, “With great power, comes great responsibility.“ It’s in their dna to put other’s needs before them and to make it look effortless, even if they feel like they’re drowing in doubt.
Hero’s and parents both the same superpower: Incredible Leadership.
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