Leadership Lessons from Marvel

Marvel Comics made a decision several decades ago that their characters would be a commentary on the culture. The X-Men highlighted racism and prejudice. The recent movie “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” was an obvious commentary on the issues of government’s power and governmental spying on common citizens. The story of Iron Man is an exploration of identity and how one man deals with his inner demons. I suspect that none of the comic books will win a Pulitzer Prize and none of the movies are going to win the Oscar Award for Best Motion Picture. Nevertheless, the movie versions do offer some interesting insights.

When it comes to leadership, there are lessons all around us. Even in movies built from comic book characters. Here are 12 quotes that are some of my favorites from the Marvel Universe movies. Perhaps they will spark a bit of insight for you today about how to work out the issues of leadership in your life.

1. Sometimes you’ve got to run before you can walk. -Tony Stark, Iron Man
2. Don’t ever tell me there’s no way. -Agent Coulson, Agents of SHIELD
3. I still believe in heroes. -Nick Fury, The Avengers
4. They say that the best weapon is the one you never have to fire. I respectfully disagree. I prefer the weapon you only have to fire once. -Tony Star, Iron Man
5. The price of freedom is high… and it’s a price I’m willing to pay! -Captain America: The Winter Soldier
6. Puny god. -Hulk to Loki, The Avengers
7. Don’t waste it. Don’t waste your life. -Yinsen to Tony Stark, Iron Man
8. I will find a way to save us all. -Thor, The Dark World
9. You threatened my world with war… You might not be glad that you did. -Nick Fury, The Avengers
10. Until such time as the world ends, we will act as though it intends to spin on. –Nick Fury, The Avengers
11. There will never be a wiser king than you. Or a better father. I have much to learn. I know that now. One day, perhaps, I will make you proud. –Thor to Odin
12. I’m just a kid from Brooklyn. –Captain America