After a hiatus of many years, the evil Sub-Mariner returns with a plot to take over the world. Blowing into a horn fashioned from the curled shell of a sea creature, he summons forth a slumbering behemoth from the ocean depths – Giganto. The monster heads toward New York City, which will surely be destroyed. Only the Fantastic Four can save the city. 

• Mr. Fantastic has the ability to stretch his limbs to enormous lengths.
• Human Torch can envelop himself in flames and take to the skies.
• The Invisible Woman can render herself invisible.
• Thing has superhuman strength. 

Back to the story…

Human Torch attempts to fly over the monster but it has extinguished his flame and he is falling to the ground. Mr. Fantastic stretches an arm from a boat below and catches him. Thing finds a nuclear bomb at a nearby base, straps it to his back, and blows up the monster. Next they have to defeat Sub-Mariner. The Invisible Woman uses her special ability to steal the horn Sub-Mariner intends to use to unleash more creatures of the deep. The Human Torch takes to the air in a spiraling motion, producing a tornado of such strength that Sub-Mariner cannot resist it. As he disappears into the depths of the ocean, he swears he will return someday. But the Fantastic Four will be waiting… 

(From Fantastic Four 1961, Issue 4: “The Coming of the Sub-Mariner!”

*****

The Fantastic Four, like all good teams, are successful in achieving their goals because each team member brings a unique ability or superpower to each challenge. Four members with the same ability – such as the ability to stretch one’s limbs – wouldn’t be nearly as effective, nor would only one of the team members working on their own. The team members each bring their special ability to bear at the moment it is needed, and rely on the other team members to do their part with their unique abilities. Although they fight and have disagreements, they are not envious of the special abilities of the others. When it counts, they pull together, combining their unique powers to achieve their goal. 

If you manage a team, or if you are a part of a team, can you think of your team in a similar way? I suggest you try it. 

• If you’re a manager, reflect on the unique skill, talent, or attitude that each team member brings and consciously try to leverage these attributes when working on a project together. Who is detail-oriented? Who sees the big picture? Who brings calm in the midst of uncertainty? Who has original ideas or sees things from a different perspective? Who is an effective planner? Who brings spontaneity? Who can think through the implications? Let each person shine by contributing to the whole in their own special way. 

• If you’re recruiting a new team member, consider the superhero capabilities you have on your team, and what new qualities would round out the team’s strengths. Do you need a people person, a social media buff, a numbers whiz? 

• As a bonding exercise in your next meeting or retreat (or even class), why not identify and appreciate each team member’s unique superpower? 

• If you’re a team member, consider what your own superhero talent is. Can you find something you do better than everyone else? Can you keep developing that ability to a higher and higher level? Can you become known for having this power? 

Just as with the Fantastic Four and all the other superhero teams, your team is strong and effective if the members have a diverse range of talents, abilities, and perspectives. Right now, or when you are next in your workplace, look around at your team and see them for what they are: fantastic superheroes combining their powers to achieve your goals.