Have you felt it yet? The irresistible surge of energy that comes with the change of seasons? Now is the perfect time for creative re-design of your life and leadership.
It’s time to indulge your fantasies… your leadership fantasies, that is.
We can use Universal Leadership Fantasies to set a fulfilling path for ourselves (while not losing our head to the dark side).
As I was reading 7 Figure Fiction - How to use Universal fantasy to sell your books to anyone by T. Taylor, it occurred to me there are several Universal Leadership Fantasies. Believe me, I’ve heard them all in my 30-plus years of working with leaders and teams.
We all harbour secret daydreams as the unsung heroes of the workplace, swooping in to save the day and receiving standing ovations from our adoring colleagues.
This, and other fantasies, can bolster our resolve, stiffen spines, and set a courageous course of action.
They can also lead to our undoing.
It’s high time we spill the tea on how to transform these desires into proactive, power-packed steps to design a killer career move.
1. The Hero Complex
Fantasy: Becoming the superhero everyone turns to.
The hero complex, though noble in intention, can backfire with simmering resentments and petty jealousies.
While it’s healthy to back ourselves, we need to temper this fantasy with humility, and pragmatism.
Practical alternative: Fine-tune your problem-solving skills. Ask better questions. Work with others. Become the go-to person for collaborative solutions, not just a daydreaming superhero.
2. The 'They're All Idiots' Narrative
Fantasy: Being the only competent one in a sea of fools.
While it’s great to feel smart, chances are there are other smart people in the room.
Practical alternative: Look for and cultivate the genius in others. Create an environment where everyone’s a genius in their own right.
3. The 'I'm Right, They're Wrong' Saga
Fantasy: The satisfaction of proving naysayers wrong.
You probably are right. Your idea is probably the smartest. Your approach is probably the most sensible and compassionate. Your warnings will probably prove correct.
And what does it matter if no one is listening?
Wait… are you listening to others?
Maybe they’re right…
Practical alternative: Focus on effective listening. People will be far more likely to listen to you if you’ve listened deeply to them first. And you might also discover a kernel of ‘rightness’ in other perspectives.
4. Vengeance is mine!
Fantasy: Avenging past wrongs and rising from the ashes.
When you finally get power, you’ll be able to put little Suzy Sasquatch in her place. Maybe a restructure with a move to the back office, with no windows, no work-from-home, and instant coffee in the kitchenette.
Practical alternative: Get your voodoo doll out and have a red hot go. Feel better? Now, move on. The best form of vengeance is doing your best work, and living your best life.
5. The Underestimated Underdog
Fantasy: Proving your worth and silencing the sceptics.
There is nothing like having a point to prove to light a fire under one’s bottom.
But if we use that as our fuel, we get burned.
Practical alternative: Somewhere in the swell of righteous indignation should be the anchor of purpose. Let that be your endless supply of energy. Do the work because the work is worthy. Be worthy of the work, and worry less about the approval of others.
What Universal Leadership fantasy are you indulging? It’s time to harness that shadow and right it into the light.
Live well, lead well.
About Zoë Routh, Canberra leadership futurist
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to explore what's coming and what it means for leadership of the future.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture for the future with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a leadership futurist science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast, dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing big ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.