Self Promoting Heroes

In this eye-opening episode of The Agile Couple, Leeanne and Kevin unpack a dynamic many teams struggle with but rarely name: the self-promoting workplace hero. Whether it’s the knowledge hoarder, the misguided savior, or the reluctant hero, these individuals often create bottlenecks, friction, and dependency that limit true team growth.

Drawing from personal experiences, Leeanne and Kevin break down:

• What “intellectual violence” looks like in action—and why it’s so damaging

• How overconfidence and hidden fiefdoms create cleanup work for everyone else

• The unintended consequences of stepping in when the team won’t

• Why hero-centric cultures ultimately become organizational liabilities

• What leaders should look for, and how to build collective heroism instead of individual power hubs

This candid conversation shines a light on patterns many teams normalize without realizing the long-term impact. Learn how to spot these behaviors, address them early, and foster a healthier, more empowered team culture.