Lessons on Collaboration from “The Avengers”

For the third straight weekend, “The Avengers” topped the box office and has now earned over a billion dollars worldwide. No doubt the action and special effects are drawing millions of fans. However, this movie about a band of disparate super heroes learning to overcome their differences and come together to save the world contains some lessons on successful collaboration.

Here are a few:

• Have a clear vision. Even if that vision comes from the one-eyed mastermind Nick Fury, whose idea it was to bring this team together.
• Have a tactical leader. On the front lines, Captain America draws upon his military background to tell each of the Avengers where to go and what to do.
• Be adaptable. Even though Black Widow can’t fly, she finds a way to comandeer an alien hovercraft and achieve her objective. Showing true teamwork, Captain America gives her a boost.
• Recognize untapped talent and potential. Bruce Banner is brought on board initially for his scientific expertise, not his brute strength as the Hulk.
• Have a sense of humor. Tony Stark/Iron Man knows when to crack a joke but also when to reel it in and focus on the work.

What lessons did you take away from “The Avengers”?