What can Batman teach us about being a startup founder?
A good leader recognises that he does not need to have all the skills, but must be able to unite and recruit those who do
What do The Avengers and the Justice League have in common? Besides hot costumes and cool powers, both of their leaders are quite arguably not the strongest in their respective groups.
In an era wherein hustling is celebrated, many of us want to be like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk — to be recognised as an icon, to enjoy the admiration of almost cult-like followers. However, it is important to know true leaders recognise that with great power, comes great responsibility. We are not just accountable to our shareholders, but also to those whom we employ and work with.
I used to wonder: Why wouldn’t Batman use a gun? Why doesn’t he just kill his enemies and end the matter once and for all, than to just capture them and have to face them time and time again each time they escape?
Well, it is quite possible that it is very difficult for the studios to have to constantly create new arch-rivals, but it is more likely that true leaders are open to new ways of getting things done, yet fiercely stubborn to their beliefs and values.
He is cautiously optimistic, constantly selling to the team of the need to work together and what they can accomplish as a united front. Keeping details of all the strengths and weaknesses of his team, always being aware of what may go wrong and planning ahead.
Also read: From zero to hero, here are 4 ways startups can build influence quickly
As startups, we are facing a common threat each day: being removed from existence, though not hordes of aliens from space. We thus need to be reminded that we need to value diversity and the complementary strength of each of our members, stakeholders, and alliances.
A good leader recognises that he does not need to have all the skills, but must be able to unite and recruit those who do — aiming not to be a hero, but to be heroes through the combination and unity of what each team member can bring. It is his/her vision, values, and beliefs that wins over the best, joining him not because of what he can do, but who he is.
Besides tolling day and night, we need to wear multiple hats: Bruce Wayne by day, the Dark Knight by night.
Take good care of your health and know that while Alfred is not out that fighting with us, he is still very much part of the team and worries about us.
We need to be open-minded to new solutions and technology, skills and methodology — constantly upgrading our weaponry, adding to the bat utility belt.
I met many founders behave like they are already the next Jack Ma. As startup founders, we need to know and be confident of what we can do, but still be humble to know that, as the sun sets on Gotham city, new threats arise. We need to never underestimate the next Joker and constantly forge new relationship through partnerships.
While he doesn’t quite have to bootstrap, it was his vision, not money that recruited the team, putting up a fight with the best men and women he could find. After all, Bruce Wayne while a billionaire, is a superhero that bleeds rather easily.
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