Perceptions Of Leaders, Heroes And Villains: Mystery Resolution And Meaning-Making, George R. Goethals, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2018
Perceptions Of Leaders, Heroes And Villains: Mystery Resolution And Meaning-Making, George R. Goethals, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
In this chapter, we review the myriad ways that people resolve mystery and uncertainty in social perception. People rely on perceptual, cognitive, and motivational resources at their disposal to acquire an understanding of mysterious persons, groups, and circumstances. Perceptual forces at work in the mystery resolution process include principles of gestalt organization. Cognitive processes that come into play include people’s use of impressions, prototypes, archetypes, and implicit theories of leadership, heroism, and villainy. Moreover, we describe several key motivational forces that steer people toward desired conclusions about mystery. Implications for social behavior and perception are discussed.
Edgar Allan Poe: The Tell-Tale Hero, Michael David Bonifonte
Dec 2017
Edgar Allan Poe: The Tell-Tale Hero, Michael David Bonifonte
Scott T. Allison
This chapter seeks to explore Edgar Allan Poe’s heroism, incorporating many of the ideas from recent heroism science to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was not just a gifted yet impoverished writer, he was a bona fide Richmond hero.
Arthur Ashe: A Hero On And Off The Court, Carlie Q. Blessing
Dec 2017
Arthur Ashe: A Hero On And Off The Court, Carlie Q. Blessing
Scott T. Allison
The purpose of this chapter is to offer an analysis of the many reasons why Arthur
Ashe is one of Richmond’s greatest heroes. One definition of heroism, focusing on
the phenomenon’s subjective nature, is that “heroism is in the eye of the beholder”
(Allison & Goethals, 2011), an idea that recognizes that people have their own intuitive
beliefs about what comprises a hero. This chapter offers insights from this subjective perspective, focusing on Arthur Ashe’s courage, dignity, grace, and class.
Heroism And The Pursuit Of Meaning, Jeff D. Green, Daryl R. Van Tongeren, Athena H. Cairo, Nao Hagiwara
Dec 2016
Heroism And The Pursuit Of Meaning, Jeff D. Green, Daryl R. Van Tongeren, Athena H. Cairo, Nao Hagiwara
Scott T. Allison
We propose that essential components of heroism and heroic actions are embedded in meaning and virtue. That is, our central thesis is that heroes and heroic behavior are intertwined with virtue and with finding meaning or purpose in life. Abraham Lincoln is an archetypal hero. We argue that it was his singular commitment to the cause of reunifying north and south, and finding his life purpose in this cause, that sustained his efforts and forged a hero. Moreover, his virtuous character likely conferred additional meaning to him and elevated his actions to the heroic; his “greatness combined with goodness” was …
The Hero Organism: Advancing The Embodiment Of Heroism Thesis In The Twenty-First Century, Olivia Efthimiou
Dec 2016
The Hero Organism: Advancing The Embodiment Of Heroism Thesis In The Twenty-First Century, Olivia Efthimiou
Scott T. Allison
Heroic accounts have captured the human imagination throughout history. In postmodern times the academic community has witnessed a resurgence in the intellectual and empirical pursuit of the concept of heroism—the advent of the multiple disciplinary field of heroism science signals the end of the monopoly of myth, fiction and popular culture on the study of heroism, offering a multi-perspective lens for the active and rigorous observation of this enduring phenomenon. Research efforts to date, however, have largely focused on its psychosocial aspects, without addressing the interaction with and relationship to the body in sufficient depth. This chapter aims to contribute …
Career Development And A Sense Of Calling: Contexts For Heroism, Bryan J. Dik, Adelyn B. Shimizu, William O'Connor
Dec 2016
Career Development And A Sense Of Calling: Contexts For Heroism, Bryan J. Dik, Adelyn B. Shimizu, William O'Connor
Scott T. Allison
This chapter explores the connection between heroism and career development. In it, we make the case that a person’s career decisions and sense of calling often function to create the context in which heroic acts occur. After a conceptual and theoretical overview, we articulate possible pathways that may influence the connections between heroism and career development, and propose new directions for scholars to explore.
A Conference On The Educational Transformation Of Today’S Emerging Adults Into Tomorrow’S Extraordinary Heroes, Philip G. Zimbardo, Zeno Franco, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2016
A Conference On The Educational Transformation Of Today’S Emerging Adults Into Tomorrow’S Extraordinary Heroes, Philip G. Zimbardo, Zeno Franco, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
We propose hosting a conference devoted to advancing theoretical and applied research in the area of heroism education of emerging adults in high schools and universities. This conference aligns with our mission at the Heroic Imagination Project: To develop and implement research, education, corporate and public initiatives to inspire and encourage everyday heroism. We seek to encourage research on empowering young people to take heroic action during crucial moments in their lives. Our conference will advance our understanding of the science and practice of educating youth to act with integrity, compassion, and moral courage, heightened by an understanding of the …
The City Of Richmond, Virginia: A Cultural And Historical Nexus Of Heroism, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2016
The City Of Richmond, Virginia: A Cultural And Historical Nexus Of Heroism, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
Richmond's unique culture and history has rendered it a magnet of heroism. This volume, Heroes of Richmond: Four Centuries of Courage, Dignity, and Virtue, has assembled scholarly contributions about Richmond’s heroic past from a distinguished group of undergraduate students at the University of Richmond.
Heroic Leadership, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2016
Heroic Leadership, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
The world’s most revered leaders have traveled the hero’s journey of personal transformation and, in turn, have used their gifts to transform others. The heroic leader’s journey is the human journey, replete with struggle, growth, learning, transformation, and an ascendency from followership to heroic leadership. Those who dare to transform, or who are compelled to do so by circumstance, grow into fully developed human beings ready, willing, and able to transform others. The transformed hero represents the pinnacle of human maturity, the state of wellbeing that allows people to flourish and experience eudaimonia.
Setting The Scene: The Rise And Coalescence Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals, Roderick M. Kramer
Dec 2016
Setting The Scene: The Rise And Coalescence Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals, Roderick M. Kramer
Scott T. Allison
This opening chapter of the Handbook of Heroism and Heroic Leadership offers insights and inspiration about the zenith of human behavior. The contributions to this volume offer a sturdy foundations for the development of a multidisciplinary and even transdisciplinary perspective on the antecedents and consequences of heroic behavior. In aggregate, these chapters chart the landscape of what we currently know about heroism-related phenomena, covering a panoply of human experiences. The chapters encompass such diverse topics as courage, empathy, resilience, hope, meaning, purpose, spirituality, morality, altruism, character strengths, wisdom, development, regeneration, and transformation.
The Hero's Transformation, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Dec 2016
The Hero's Transformation, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Scott T. Allison
In this chapter, we provide an analysis of human transformation in heroic storytelling and in the lives of everyday people. We describe what a transformation is, why it is important, what causes it to happen, and how it varies from hero to hero. We argue that the hero’s transformation is the most central yet most overlooked component of the monomyth of the hero as described by Joseph Campbell (1949) in his classic volume, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Our chapter discusses the ways in which the hero’s journey parallels various stages of healthy human development, during which people …
Attributes And Applications Of Heroes: A Brief History Of Lay And Academic Perspectives, Elaine Kinsella, Timothy D. Ritchie, Eric Igou
Dec 2016
Attributes And Applications Of Heroes: A Brief History Of Lay And Academic Perspectives, Elaine Kinsella, Timothy D. Ritchie, Eric Igou
Scott T. Allison
We briefly summarize the existing research on heroism with particular focus on the audience for heroes, and their perception of hero characteristics and influence. A new model, the hero functions framework (Kinsella, Ritchie, & Igou, 2015a), is presented and the three categories of psychological functions that heroes seem to fulfill for others are discussed. We outline three areas that we believe should be prioritized when planning future research. We then provide examples of how to use citizen heroes as a tool for positive change in health, well-being, rehabilitation, and education contexts.
Heroism Science: Frameworks For An Emerging Field, Olivia Efthimiou, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2016
Heroism Science: Frameworks For An Emerging Field, Olivia Efthimiou, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
This article outlines the conceptual framework for a new science focused on heroism using multiple perspectives to generate a science that is explicitly in service to humanity. The role of heroism as a case study for deviant interdisciplinarity, heroism science as storytelling and story revising, and its impacts for research and communities are considered. The primary concern of the deviant agenda of heroism science is the unity of knowledge and the testability of narrative-driven scientific inquiry. In this agenda, science as “episteme” and heroism are unified in their core epistemic function. Heroism science is posited as a prime candidate for …
Transforming Motives And Mentors: The Heroic Leadership Of James Macgregor Burns, George R. Goethals, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2015
Transforming Motives And Mentors: The Heroic Leadership Of James Macgregor Burns, George R. Goethals, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
A full consideration of human motives particularly relevant to leadership is prompted by James MacGregor Burns’ interest in Abraham Maslow’s hierarchical theory of motivation, and its principle that motives can grow, develop and change throughout the life cycle, along with other stages or patterns of development, whether they be cognitive, emotional and moral. The range of human motives, particularly the need to have value and be significant, opens to potential leaders ways of attracting followers to themselves and their causes. In the case of transforming leaders, as defined by Burns, these leaders and causes will engage followers in ways that …
Empathy And Leadership, Ronald T. Humphrey, Laural Adams
Dec 2015
Empathy And Leadership, Ronald T. Humphrey, Laural Adams
Scott T. Allison
Empathy helps explain why heroes take risks on behalf of others and make personal sacrifices for people and causes that they believe in. The chapter relates the literature on heroes and empathy to the research on charismatic leadership, and maintains that empathy and heroic behavior are key components of charismatic leadership. Although heroic empathy can be seen as a characteristic of heroic individuals, this chapter also examines heroic empathy from a distributed cognition perspective that positions heroic leaders in the larger context of the organization and in the system in which the organization resides. By using a distributed cognition approach, …
Paradoxical Truths In Heroic Leadership: Implications For Leadership Development And Effectiveness, Scott T. Allison, Jennifer L. Cecilione
Dec 2015
Paradoxical Truths In Heroic Leadership: Implications For Leadership Development And Effectiveness, Scott T. Allison, Jennifer L. Cecilione
Scott T. Allison
In this chapter, we discuss the basic elements of heroic leadership, showing how heroism and exemplary leadership are deeply intertwined. We then describe six paradoxical truths about heroic leadership that are often unrecognized and unappreciated. We believe that ignorance of these counterintuitive truths and paradoxes about heroic leadership can lead to misunderstandings about leaders, leadership, and leadership development. Most of these paradoxes are a central part of the hero’s journey as described by comparative mythologist Joseph Campbell (1949). We will discuss the genesis of these paradoxical truths, and we will suggest ways that an awareness of these principles can engender …
The Hero's Journey And Radical Heroic Leadership, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2015
The Hero's Journey And Radical Heroic Leadership, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
Radical heroic leadership recognizes the heroic potential of all organizational members and focuses on its cultivation. The approach is founded on the two assumption that all leaders are capable of heroic transformative development, and that the key to such development is found in the classic hero’s journey as described by Joseph Campbell in his iconic 1949 book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. This chapter outlines a conceptual framework, based on the hero’s journey, for developing leadership that can meet the radical needs of our desperate times. In doing so, we draw from theory and research in numerous sub-disciplines …
Monomyth, Transformation And Inspiration: The Hero’S Journey In The Extreme Fitness Exercise Infomercial, James K. Beggan
Dec 2015
Monomyth, Transformation And Inspiration: The Hero’S Journey In The Extreme Fitness Exercise Infomercial, James K. Beggan
Scott T. Allison
The monomyth or hero‟s journey is often described as containing the stages of journey, transformation and return. Less attention has focused on a fourth stage, called inspiration, which discusses how the hero can then motivate and mentor a new generation of heroes. The present paper describes how the success stories of people profiled in extreme fitness infomercials can be understood as conforming to the structure of the monomyth. The way in which the infomercials document how the success stories can also be used to motivate and mentor future heroes illustrates the role of inspiration as the final component of the …
Hero Worship: The Elevation Of The Human Spirit, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Dec 2015
Hero Worship: The Elevation Of The Human Spirit, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Scott T. Allison
In this article, we review the psychology of hero development and hero worship. We propose that heroes and hero narratives fulfill important cognitive and emotional needs, including the need for wisdom, meaning, hope, inspiration, and growth. We propose a framework called the heroic leadership dynamic (HLD) to explain how need-based heroism shifts over time, from our initial attraction to heroes to later retention or repudiation of heroes. Central to the HLD is idea that hero narratives fulfill both epistemic and energizing functions. Hero stories provide epistemic benefits by providing scripts for prosocial action, by revealing fundamental truths about human existence, …
Defining Heroism: Objectively Possible Or In The Eye Of The Beholder?, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Dec 2014
Defining Heroism: Objectively Possible Or In The Eye Of The Beholder?, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Scott T. Allison
A number of scholars have attempted to define heroism (see Franco, Blau, & Zimbardo, 2011). We applaud these efforts while also agreeing with Joseph Campbell (1988) that heroism is ultimately in the eye of the beholder.
The Hero's Journey, Transformation, And Spirituality, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2014
The Hero's Journey, Transformation, And Spirituality, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
Identifying missing qualities and acquiring them is essential for heroes to succeed with their missions. The discovery (or recovery) of these attributes is the basis for the personal transformation that the hero undergoes during the journey. The most satisfying heroes we encounter in storytelling and in real life are heroes who experience this transformative discovery of their missing quality.
Heroic Leadership: An Influence Taxonomy Of 100 Exceptional Individuals, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Mar 2014
Heroic Leadership: An Influence Taxonomy Of 100 Exceptional Individuals, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Scott T. Allison
Heroic Leadership is a celebration of our greatest heroes, from legends such as Mahatma Gandhi to the legions of unsung heroes who transform our world quietly behind the scenes. The authors argue that all great heroes are also great leaders. The term ‘heroic leadership’ is coined to describe how heroism and leadership are intertwined, and how our most cherished heroes are also our most transforming leaders.
This book offers a new conceptual framework for understanding heroism and heroic leadership, drawing from theories of great leadership and heroic action. Ten categories of heroism are described: Trending Heroes, Transitory Heroes, Transparent Heroes, …
"Now He Belongs To The Ages”: The Heroic Leadership Dynamic And Deep Narratives Of Greatness, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Dec 2013
"Now He Belongs To The Ages”: The Heroic Leadership Dynamic And Deep Narratives Of Greatness, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Scott T. Allison
In this article, we review the psychology of hero development and hero worship. Heroes and hero narratives fulfill important cognitive and emotional needs, including the need for wisdom, meaning, hope, inspiration, and growth. Hero stories provide epistemic benefits by providing scripts for prosocial action, by revealing fundamental truths about human existence, by unpacking life paradoxes, and by cultivating emotional intelligence. To energize us, heroes promote moral elevation, heal psychic wounds, inspire psychological growth, and exude charisma.
“Grisly Man, Gods, And Monsters,”, Kirby Farrell
Dec 2013
“Grisly Man, Gods, And Monsters,”, Kirby Farrell
kirby farrell
“Grisly Man, Gods, and Monsters” by Kirby Farrell,
Werner Herzog’s documentary Grizzly Man (2005) examines the fatal infatuation of Timothy William Dexter (Treadwell) with Alaskan grizzly bears.
A failed actor and recovering addict, Dexter reinvented himself as
Timothy Treadwell, the “grizzly man,” using the camera and his charismatic
personality to promote a vision of the lone hero taming a savage but
mysteriously – even religiously - “perfect” nature. In 2004 a grizzly mauled
and ate the increasingly reckless Treadwell and his girlfriend Amie Hugenaard.
Treadwell’s self-exposure to the bears acted out sacrificial and suicidal
themes and can be understood in …
Making Heroes: The Construction Of Courage, Competence And Virtue, George R. Goethals, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2011
Making Heroes: The Construction Of Courage, Competence And Virtue, George R. Goethals, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
In this article, we examine the psychological processes underlying the construction of heroes. We focus on the cognitive and motivational forces that give rise to heroism, and we discuss the behaviors that characterize heroic life.
