The Superhero Syndrome

     Do you feel like you're so vital in your role that the business would struggle without you? Do you enjoy being the go-to person? For many, being indispensable feels rewarding—they invest time mastering their role and absorbing all they can about the business. Holding onto that knowledge makes others rely on them, which enhances their perceived "value." But here's the catch: sharing that knowledge might feel like it diminishes their importance.

    These workplace "superheroes" often end up frustrated. They feel stuck in their position, overlooked for promotions, or missing out on opportunities. They see themselves as victims of a system that doesn’t seem to value them enough. Sound familiar?

     In reality, this situation is often self-created. While their efforts to be indispensable meet a personal need for recognition, it can also limit their growth and satisfaction. One important lesson I learned early in my career is this: if you truly want to advance or take on new opportunities, you need to empower others to succeed in your current role. Sharing your knowledge has immense benefits—it reduces stress, improves efficiency, and ensures you’re not tied to the day-to-day tasks when you take time off. It also gives you the freedom to explore new challenges and expand your skill set. In every new role I’ve taken, I’ve applied this principle: train others to do what I do, so I can focus on what’s next.

     Throughout my career, I’ve embraced change—advancing in technical roles, learning new technologies, tackling fresh challenges, and continually evolving. Whether you call it change or adventure, it’s been a rewarding journey.

     So, ask yourself: are you the superhero in your workplace? Do you want to stay in that role, or are you ready to embrace something more challenging? The choice is yours.

- BigE