Revised 10 Lessons Startups Can Learn From Superheroes

I just read Jason Nazr’s Blog Post “10 Lessons Startups Can Learn From Superheroes” and loved it! (http://www.jasonnazar.com/2008/09/23/10-lessons-startups-can-learn-from-superheros/).

Jason suggests replacing Superheroes with your organization name, and you have the foundation for a great set of core values for your organization. Here’s my firt pass at this, but I will continue to  build on it. I think this is a great framework for building a successful startup.

 

Never Give Up

Like Batman, you have to keep pressing on to the very last breath. Challenges are overcome by wholeheartedly committing to unrelenting persistence.

Always Get the Job Done

There are no excuses if you don’t save the girl from the burning house. There are just results, not reasons, you either save the day or you don’t. Gray area is for Kafka not comic heros.

We Are the Best at What We Do

Flash is the fastest and we all know it. . If you’re the back end developer, you are the best developer in the world, and everyone on your team knows it. Let great talent excel in areas where their superpowers are most needed.

We Are Crystal Clear of our Purpose

Captain Marvel may be a cheeseball, but he knows what he stands for. Startups die when they are not clear on their mission.

We Are NOT Flawless

Superheros have flaws, every member of your team will also. The goal is not perfection, it’s the pursuit of perfection.

We Do Not Seek Glory…But We Get it Anyway

Don’t do it because you want the attention.
If you do it right, you’ll get it anyway.

We Help Others

Superheroes help people by solving problems. Startups should be obsessed NOT with themselves, but with how they are going to help other people and solve their issues.

We Can Do it By Ourselves But Are More Powerful in Teams

You always have to have each other’s back. Its you vs. the world and brining together your own team of superheroes, and the mutual respect, loyalty, and camaraderie of that team is vital.

Our True Strength Comes From Our Character

No matter how super you think you are, you’re strength comes from your character not your talent. Be courageous, be respectful, be honorable, be selfless.

We Accomplish Huge Feats

The same effort it takes to start a lemonade stand or college club, is the same raw effort it takes to change the world. Your goal is not to build a product or get traffic… Your goal is to accomplish the most amazing feat imaginable. Make the Product, Save the World.