Have you heard of Superman?
I bet you have! The moment we become aware of him, he intrigues us for obvious reasons: He is good-looking, swift, and formidable. Perhaps a tad much to be real. 😉 Still, we are fascinated and sometimes captivated because he is mysteriously heroic: Seemingly effortlessly, he wrestles offenders and rescues the helpless! Without fail, he lives up to the vision of his creator, Jerry Siegel, who described him as the champion of the oppressed: The physical marvel who had sworn to devote his existence to helping those in need.
Embedded in this statement lies what is perhaps Superman’s greatest superpower: By setting an example, he reawakens our desire to know ourselves, find our unique strengths, and use them to serve others.

But there is more to him – his alter ego – Clark Kent: An imperfect and complex man who is shy, awkward, and slightly lonesome. However, he also strives to do the right thing, has a strong moral set, and dedication to justice. Intensely aware of life’s challenges yet idealistic, he is an ultimate optimist: One who views life through a realistic lens with a hopeful tint and maintains an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Clark Kent is just like us – talented and flawed. Often, he is kooky. However, occasionally, he displays sparks of sublime brilliance. For this reason, we admire Superman – the symbol of perfection. But we love Clark Kent – the friend.

The value of being real

Today, there seems to be a growing fascination with becoming a superhuman, not a better human. Perhaps this stems from a belief that humans are too flawed. Therefore, rather than aiming to improve together, one should supersede others. Such thinking drives us to highlight our strengths and hide our weaknesses and mistakes. In so doing, one may appear as a hero but is never known as a friend. – This is a high cost, and we are incurring it. Though surrounded by communication vehicles and connection tools, we are experiencing a loneliness epidemic: A period marked by social isolation.

As a remedy, the story of Superman offers a powerful lesson: When we only display our heroic side, we gain admiration. But to be known and loved, we must be real: share our accomplishments, own our mistakes, and embrace opportunities to grow as we engage with others. Notably, this is a salient feature of a healthy workplace culture! Kudos to those who promote such growth and nurture an environment that sustains it!

For you and to you,
Aké

Image credit: Pixabay | solihinkentjana