Avoiding the Superhero Trap

New managers often fall into the same trap: they think they have to do it all.

Every problem? Solve it.
Every fire? Put it out.
Every decision? Make it themselves.

That’s the Superhero Trap—when you believe your value comes from being the one who saves the day.

But here’s the truth: heroes burn out. Leaders build systems. They build people.

When you try to be the hero:

• You disempower your team.

• You create dependency.

• You build a culture where you’re the bottleneck.

Real leadership means stepping back so others can step up. Delegating. Coaching. Trusting.

Let go of the cape. Be the coach, not the savior.