Episode Eight: Calling all leaders – if you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?
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September 30, 2025
It might sound like a fun topic after a few pints at the pub (it is, try it…). But what do superheroes and leaders have in common?
Like superheroes, every leader has a unique superpower — a strength that sets them apart, energises their team and helps deliver results. All good so far, right? But hold on. Every superhero also has a weakness. A flaw or vulnerability (I’m looking at you, Kryptonite) that makes them fallible, relatable and ‘human’, despite their extraordinary abilities.
As you can probably guess or even testify, leaders also have their weaknesses (yes you do!). A shadow side that left unchecked, could be your downfall. But fear not! Just like every superhero movie ever made, you too can win the day with some super-helpful (sorry, couldn’t resist) tips to help you overcome the forces of evil and save the universe! Or at least to be a great leader, which is also good…
Welcome to part eight in our Insights Discovery Series where we look at how to use Insights Discovery to build self-awareness; increase our understanding of others and develop the skills to adapt our interactions for greater success. In this episode, we take a light-hearted look at the synergies between super heroes and leadership styles and importantly, how embracing your ‘Kryptonite’ can be key to success.
Modelling our super powers
As we have seen in previous episodes, Insights Discovery gives us a powerful framework for understanding our behavioural preferences through four colour energies: Fiery Red, Sunshine Yellow, Earth Green and Cool Blue. Associating the colour energies with superheroes is a fun and relatable way to reflect on the strengths and potential derailers associated with our own management or leadership style. Let’s take a look:
Leaders with strong Fiery Red energy are go-getters. Like Iron Man and Cat Woman, they charge ahead, cut through noise and make decisions fast. They lead with courage and confidence.
Superpowers:
Decisiveness & Drive.
Kryptonite:
Can come across as impatient, domineering or dismissive of others’ input.
Remedies:
Collaborate frequently. Sometimes ask the opinion of others before giving your own. Listen to understand, not just to respond. Beware of quick and wrong…
Leaders with strong Sunshine Yellow energy are charismatic connectors. They bring energy, positivity and collaboration, lighting up even the toughest rooms with conversation, ideation and humour.
Superpowers:
Innovation & Inspiration.
Kryptonite:
May make impulsive decisions without due qualification, struggle to follow-through on tasks and lose focus.
Remedies:
Team up with Cool Blue energy for balanced decision making. Use task tools to stay focus on the priorities. Develop feedback skills to handle those tricky conversations you know you should have! Give rational thinking and emotional feeling equal air time.
Earth Green leaders are values-driven team nurturers. They empower others to succeed, value different perspectives, foster collaboration and seek to create inclusive environments in which the whole team can thrive.
Superpowers:
Empathy & Collaboration.
Kryptonite:
Can over-resist change, avoid conflict or become passive in tough situations.
Remedies:
Develop courageous conversation skills. Take the tough decisions knowing it’s impossible and ok to not please everyone all the time. Balance the provision of support with building accountability in others.
Cool Blue leaders are organised, methodical thinkers and planners. They are logical and strategic, analyse every angle, prepare meticulously and rely on intellect and data-driven decision making.
Superpowers:
Strategy & Planning.
Kryptonite:
May be overly cautious, critical, perfectionistic and emotionally distant.
Remedies:
Seek to win the hearts as well as the minds of the team. Beware of analysis paralysis, some decisions can be gut-feel. Don’t allow perfection to get in the way of good. Theatre and expression can be powerful tools.
The big finale
Just like superheroes, great leaders are not flawless — they are self-aware. Understanding your “Kryptonite” doesn’t make you weaker, it makes you more powerful because you can learn to manage it.
And this brings me to one final thing we can learn from the superhero genre, which is that superheroes rarely work alone! Batman has Robin (and Alfred). Iron Man has Poppy. Spider-Man has M-J (and the irreplaceable Aunt May!). My point is, they have people they rely on to help them navigate the perilous world of crime fighting. And great leaders do the same. They surround themselves with team members who each bring their own superpower to the mix that when blended together, make for an unstoppable ensemble.
Hopefully this had been useful food for thought for even the most experienced leaders out there. If not, at least you have a fun game to play on your next visit to the pub!
Until next time…
