A few months ago a cinematic phenomenon that many had been waiting for was released – Batman vs. Superman. While the movie presented plenty of eye candy by way of the CGI and action sequences, what appealed to me was the personality traits the main protagonists displayed. Both have common goals (justice and peace) but their approach varies. And so is the case for many other superheroes and super-heroines. They all work towards common or similar goals, but possess such differing personality traits that they don’t end up achieving it in a similar manner.

This is much like your own team’s dynamics. All of them work towards the goals you set for the team, however, their approach is most likely different. And this can be a challenge for you as their leader. Hence, it’s very important to know what personality traits they possess and how you can drive them and optimally utilize their skills to maximize performance.

Let’s see what superhero or super-heroine your team members correlate to in order to understand their personality traits.

Catwoman vs. Wonder Woman

Catwoman’s been a highly controversial superheroine. Her erratic and selfish nature win her a small audience, though her ability to produce results make her popular and well known. She’s generally someone who’s impulsive and can’t be confined to standards or norms. However, she’s creative and innovative and works well independently.

In contrast, Wonder Woman’s a selfless superheroine who’s loved by practically everyone. She’s attentive to people’s needs and is always doing the right thing. Her approach to a challenge is to analyze, assess and systematically work her way to a resolution. And being a “people’s person” she can develop into an empathic leader.

Ironman vs. Hulk

Ironman’s flamboyant style of work wins him much admiration. And that’s what fuels his passion to do good. He loves the attention and he’s not shy to admit it. He’s eloquent, humorous and a crowd pleaser. He’s also very intelligent and skilled which drive him to be creative and on the pursuit to improve things.

While The Hulk (Bruce Banner) is intellectually gifted, he’s shy and keeps to himself. Avoiding the spotlight has helped him concentrate on his creative and innovative side, though he does have a dark side which people fear. Few people have been able to understand what motives and drives Bruce as he’s not very approachable. But in his recluse state he’s able to solve complex issues and can be relied upon to produce results. Bruce isn’t necessarily a team player, but he’s definitely someone who you’d want in your team if you’re looking creatively bring about improvements.

Spider-Man vs. Captain America

Even though superheroes are generally doing good they aren’t always aligned in terms of their vision. Spider-Man is primarily motivated by personal goals. He’s laid out his ambitions and works to incrementally achieve his goals. Peter (Spider-Man) is very sensitive about his personal life and values them most. His goals are short-sighted as he’s focused on matters and challenges of the present without really giving too much thought to the impact of his actions.

Captain America, on the other hand, has earned a reputation of understanding and aiming for the bigger picture. He’s well aware that every move and decision he makes has repercussions and impacts people and the environment. And so whatever he does today is all aligned to the bigger picture where his sights always remain focused.

Irrespective of what personality traits your team members possess, they’re all striving for a common goal and objective. You as their leader should be able to identify what motivates them, what their needs and desires are, what their superpowers (skills are) and how you can best utilize them to produce high levels of performance. You may even learn that your team member’s personality traits don’t match the job they’re employed for. In the comic world, that’s what Nick Fury did with The Avengers – use individuals with differing motivators and personality traits to achieve a common goal.

You may even start calling them with superhero names! Let me know how that works out for you.

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