LEADERSHIP

22 • LEADERSHIP
From this point forward, project hypergravity kicks in: investment
and exposure continually mounts (“We can’t stop
now; we’re almost done!”), until, we hope, the project is completed
and promised benefits are realized.
In most organizations, failure isn’t a good option. And
when you’re the one with toes dangling beyond the rooftop's
edge, people notice! As exposure grows, visibility grows.
That’s why effective organizations give this special high-stakes
work to their best people—the people who can be counted on
to get the job done no matter how the adventure twists and
turns. To their superheroes. Pat yourself on the back; that’s
why your project got you! I probably don’t need to mention
that asteroid collisions, foul play, or failure to duck can also be
deciding factors in the selection process.
Challenging projects are interesting because we haven’t done them
before—we don’t know what we’re doing—new issues, new technology,
new systems, new teams.... That’s why we love them. That's
what makes them adventures! And that’s why everyday superheroes
need a systematic approach.
High Visibility is Good News
for Superheroes
High exposure isn’t all bad news. To succeed, you need resources,
and resources are always scarce. (Blame Adam Smith.)
Which projects get the organization’s scarce resources is always
debated. When people care about your project, visibility
follows, and you’re more likely to get the resources you need.
The added exposure may be unsettling, but high visibility is
good news to everyday superheroes! Who wants to run a little
project that no one cares about, that no one takes seriously,
where the work always gets "re-prioritized?” Not me. I can’t