If you’ve been watching the Disney+ series, The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, then you know that (spoiler alert) there’s a new Captain America in town. His name is John Walker and he is more than happy to remind you that he is the new Captain America.
On paper, Walker (#NotMyCaptain) looks like the perfect fit for the job. His resume includes three Medals of Honor. He even wields the iconic vibranium shield just like the First Avenger. His only problem is that the titular Avengers have no interest in following him.
Walker is happy to carry the shield, own the name, as well as take pictures with fans and sign autographs. When it comes to the sexy side of being Captain America, Walker nails it. However, as the show progresses and his leadership is tested, it becomes more and more obvious that he is unfit to be Captain America.
Walker’s desire to be Captain America is not unlike many people’s desire to be leaders. There is after all something alluring about the power, position, and/or popularity that comes with the job. Similar to how Walker is a shallow version of the First Avenger, this is a shallow version of leadership. Just as the Marvel Universe deserves a better Captain, the people in your circle of influence deserve better leaders.
One of the easiest ways to know if you are a leader is to look and see if anyone is following you. If no one is, then ask yourself if you are truly leading for the right reasons.
Have you been watching The Falcon And The Winter Soldier? If so, let me know what your takeaways have been.
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Update (4/26/21): Check out my follow-up post here.
Nick Chellsen 
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