Why Do Organisations Use The Phrase Culture of Heroics?
A "culture of heroics" expects employees to go above and beyond constantly, often without reward. But does this undervalue steady workers, and shouldn’t senior leaders bear the weight of heroics instead?
Some Organisations Don’t Just Want Good Workers; They Want Heroes
A new archetype is emerging in the workplace: the "Hero" or "Heroine." But what lies behind this corporate buzzword?
What Is a Culture of Heroics?
The term refers to employees who consistently go above and beyond to achieve business objectives. Sound familiar? Perhaps it’s just another piece of workplace jargon, but let’s stay focused—there’s a separate blog waiting for that topic!
At its core, the Culture of Heroics idealizes those employees who push boundaries, make sacrifices, and deliver exceptional results. These modern “heroes” are celebrated as the epitome of dedication and excellence in the workplace.
The Reality Behind This Mentality
But is it truly beneficial—or even fair—to encourage or expect this kind of behaviour? Could it encourage resentment or division, especially for those who are steady, dependable, and quietly committed to their work?
The “Hero Culture” and Its Spartan Parallels
In ancient Sparta, warriors were hailed as heroes, and revered for their courage and loyalty to their city-state. But this admiration came at a steep cost: relentless pressure, personal sacrifice, and often grave consequences for their well-being.
Drawing parallels to today’s workplace, a Culture of Heroics might similarly demand extraordinary effort at the expense of employees' health, relationships, and overall balance.
Unlike the celebrated Spartans, however, office heroes rarely receive enduring recognition—perhaps just a fleeting "thank you" or an occasional pat on the back.
The Psychological Implications
Could this phrase be a veiled tactic by organisations to squeeze extra productivity out of employees without offering financial rewards? In a hero-centric culture, the expectation of exceptional performance can quickly become the norm, while pay raises, bonuses, and tangible incentives often fail to follow.
For some, being labelled a “hero” might provide a temporary boost in self-esteem, but it can also feel like running on fumes—exhausted, overworked, and underappreciated.
The question then arises: if everyone is expected to be a hero, does that make true dedication less valuable?
When Everyone Is a Hero, Is Dedication Devalued?
If the bar for heroics is set so high that it becomes the baseline, what happens to the value of steady, consistent effort?
Sometimes, those lauded as workplace heroes shine brightly in the spotlight for a single achievement, even if their overall contributions are patchy. Some may even excel at taking credit for others’ ideas or leveraging their teammates to handle less glamorous tasks.
The Impact on Reliable Workers
For employees who thrive on consistency and prefer a more methodical approach, the Culture of Heroics can feel disheartening. They may find their dependable contributions overlooked in favour of the more dramatic, high-stakes efforts of their flashier colleagues.
This imbalance often leaves quiet achievers feeling undervalued, as organisations prioritize quick wins and high-risk undertakings over long-term, sustainable performance.
James Mason
Shouldn’t Leadership Be the Real Heroes?
There’s an argument to be made that if anyone should embody the traits of a hero, it’s senior management. They’re the ones tasked with steering the organisation, making strategic decisions, and setting the tone for the workplace culture.
When leadership shifts the burden of heroics onto employees while failing to lead by example, it raises valid concerns about accountability. Shouldn’t managers be the ones demonstrating resilience, innovation, and sacrifice for the greater good?
Conclusion
While hard-working individuals certainly deserve recognition, calling them heroes might be a stretch—especially in contexts far removed from life-and-death scenarios. A doctor saving lives, a pilot averting disaster, or even an office worker heroically saving colleagues in an office fire or actual emergency? Those are genuine heroes.
But when Jenny completes a project by its deadline? That’s a job well done—not heroism. Maybe it’s time to redefine our expectations and save the term “hero” for those who truly go above and beyond, in ways that make a lasting difference.
