Heroes: Carrying a Double-Edged Sword

Every organization has key performers that it depends on for its success. Organizations often cast them as heroes that ride in to save the day. These heroes play an important role in getting their organizations through difficult situations, getting products out the door, and keeping customers happy. However, reliance on heroes can create problems just as big as the ones the heroes help resolve. Organizations must recognize the double-edged sword that heroes bring with them. There are ways an organization can leverage the good qualities that heroes bring and minimize the negative ones.