Seth Godin

Seth Godin is a well known marketing blogger and guru. He has a post on heroes – regarding heroes in marketing, of course. He warns against two potential problems coming from using heroes in your work; making sure you and your coworkers have the same heroes and making sure you have the right hero for the project.

I think both of these warnings apply to the use of heroes outside of marketing too. Surely the people you surround yourself with should have heroes that align with yours. Won’t your team at work perform better if they all look up to the same people?

The second part of Seth’s post is about having the right hero for the right project. So often, we only know small parts of our heroes. When dealing with oppression in your life, look to heroes who have dealt with it. Think of Nelson Mandela or Harry Potter. Superman or Dwayne Wade may not have much to offer you. If you’re trying to make a life-altering decision, find a hero who did the same thing. As Joseph Campbell said, “We have not even to risk the adventure alone, for the heroes of all time have gone before us.” Seeking out heroes will give you a whole set to choose from when you need a guide in your adventure.