Think Han Solo is a good leader? Why I’d never want him on my team.

Recently, my son and I took our summer vacation down in Florida.  I’ve never visited in the summer before and it might be the last time (the humidity is BRUTAL).  Our plan was to primarily hang out at the beach, but when it was quiet my son asked if we could head over to Disney for a visit.

We had already been planning a day trip to Universal, so I was game for the change.  Harry Potter or Star Wars?  For anyone who knows me, that’s not even a question.  I can enjoy both, but one will always win hands down.

We had a great time, but I was out of my tree in the Star Wars experience.  Even more so when I was able to visit with Darth Vader.  It was Christmas in July for sure.  Coming back to the real world, the movies would run on repeat for a while to keep that fun feeling going.

It shouldn’t surprise me by now, but no matter how many times I watch the movies I can still have an aha moment.  I was walking on the treadmill, enjoying A New Hope, when I had a shocking (to me) revelation.

There is no chance I’d want Han Solo on my team.

Who’s with us on the journey?

That statement is probably considered “fighting words” to a lot of fans.  Before I explain, let’s start with the other folks on the team.

Leia begins the journey.  She’s courageous and a clear leader.  Without hesitation, she will lead a group of strangers out of a dangerous situation (albeit to a potentially more dangerous one) when they don’t know what to do.  She keeps a level head, sees situations strategically and dispassionately, and does what’s needed for the mission and team…in that order.

Luke is our newbie.  He’s inexperienced but has a lot of enthusiasm and natural talent.  He’ll jump into the fight, doing his best with guidance and support from the more experienced around him.

Chewie is our favorite co-pilot.  He’s not interested in the limelight or being out front, though he has DECADES of experience to call on.  He calmly and effectively enters the fight, supporting his teammate and having his back.  He’s definitely who you want on your six.  The stories center around Han, Luke, and Leia, but Chewie would be my first pick in building my own team.  More on that in a moment.

The cowboy archetype

Han Solo is the ultimate space cowboy.  He bucks the system, is a creative problem solver, and can get out of any jam (just ask him).

In a New Hope, he’s also out for himself.  He’s got his sidekick in Chewie, but other than that he’s focused on his own hide.  We could say that by the end of A New Hope, he’s a heroic team player, but how many people had to die before he got there?

Yes, I said it.

That’s what finally stuck out to me when re-watching the movie the other day.  He and Chewie were in the room when the plan was being developed.  He was asked to be part of that plan and refused.  We could hear Chewie objecting, though we didn’t understand what he said.  Han’s response was “I know what I’m doing.”

He did know what he was doing. Focusing on himself and his own interests.

While he does eventually engage, allowing Luke the all-clear to save the galaxy from the Death Star, most of the fleet was destroyed first.

Though we will never know exactly what Chewie said, it’s not hard to imagine that he harangued Han until they joined the fight.  And the guy never even got a medal.

The cowboy or the team player

The cowboy, often referred to as firefighters at work, may be appealing to have on our teams.  After all, they can come in and fix what’s broken.  Act the hero and save the day.

And yet…

Firefighters in real life help us prevent fires.  They don’t just fight them after they’ve broken out.  They work as a team with a plan.  No one shows up at the last minute to save the day.

If we have folks on our teams that are focused on the swoop in and save, without also focusing on prevention and teamwork, we’ve got work to do.  Consider what we’re rewarding and celebrating.  The cowboy mentality, or someone that will help us improve so there are fewer fires to put out?  Help decrease the moments when someone needs to save the day.

Every company is a tech company.  A data company.  Mistakes in those areas – where someone needs to save the day – present massive risks to businesses, individuals, and the world at large.  Just consider the latest global outage.

I’m sure heroes in those organizations worked late nights around the clock to fix the problems as a team. Hopefully, they are the same ones the next day looking at what went wrong and how to prevent problems in the future.

Transition through growth and development

I recognize that once Han engages, it marks an evolution of his character.  He becomes more of a team-focused leader through the rest of the stories.  And that’s the beauty of Star Wars.  No matter what archetype you may resonate with, there are opportunities for growth, vulnerability, or redemption (I’m looking at you Vader).

If we have folks on our teams that shine during a crisis and tend to operate solo (no pun intended) the rest of the time, we have an opportunity.  Yes, we could surround ourselves with strong leaders (Leia), enthusiastic talented newbies (Luke), and experienced team players (Chewie).  

We can create a culture focused on team and give cowboys the chance to get on board.  Align rewards and recognition on prevention of fires vs firefighting.  Celebrate groups, cooperation, and teamwork.  Encourage engagement with peers and partners to vet ideas, review designs, and proactively identify risk.  Make sure to recognize those who help make ideas and solutions great, rather than focusing solely on the one leading the outcome.

When our environment encourages team over self, every Han has a choice.  Be “Han about it” or grow into a team player with cool ideas, creative problem solving, and yes, the ability to get out of jam.

Though I said I wouldn’t want Han on my team, I’d like to think in the right environment he’d thrive.  One where he wouldn’t get a medal for a last-minute swoop and save.  Instead, one where Chewie – as the voice of teamwork – would.