Every superhero started out as a human. A resource of power. Today’s superheroes have human sensitivities and real-world parallels. Some movies even aim for the Oscars. So of course, it comes as no surprise that the biggest superhero franchise is full of real-life parallels to everyday superheroes we work with.

With the release of Avengers: End Game let’s take this opportunity to look at some of the world’s favorite superheroes!

Here are a few of them along with a helpful list of characteristics to help you identify them should you run into them at any point in your daily office life.

Captain America

The product of a World War II super soldier serum, Steve Rogers has woken up in the modern world from a coma and is challenged with adapting not only to a new time but to new rules as well. However, Captain America has immediately and effortlessly established himself as the leader of every group in which he is involved.

The first Avenger, Captain America is a superlative role model for bosses everywhere. At work, he can be identified as someone who:

• Is a moral center of the group
• Shuns limelight
• Committed to the team

Thor

Thor is the god of thunder in Asgard and the son of the All-Father, Odin. He was banished to Earth for his arrogance and brazenness. Yet, he was restored to his rightful place as a demigod after learning humility and defeating his brother Loki after Loki’s attempts to kill both Thor and Odin.

Look around in your team and you would spot a Thor sitting beside your cabin. He can be identified as an employee who:

• Moves towards and not away from his/her problems
• Addresses his/her mistakes
• Values people as the best resource

Iron-Man

A billionaire tycoon turned into a sensitive soul thanks to a heart of palladium, Tony Stark created a powerful armor to escape captivity and later rededicated his life towards protecting the world. As a member of the SHIELD, Iron-Man is someone who: 

• Has a desire and determination to improve on the status quo (he never stops),
• Is incredibly intelligent ("A genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist"),
• High on self-confidence
• Witty and smart

Dr. Robert Bruce Banner/ Hulk

Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, MD, Ph.D., is the subject matter expert. A famous physicist who went through gamma radiation on himself, that gave him the ability to change into Hulk. An epitome of how each one of us carries two personalities within ourselves--the calm Dr. Bruce and the agitated, frustrated and angry Hulk.

Over the years, Banner has become more aware of the Hulk aspect of his personality and has grown to become more accepting.  The same is true the other way as well, Hulk has begun to realize the existence of Banner and has started to control his destructive rage.

In your workplace, you are bound to find both Dr. Banner and Hulk. When it comes to solving a complex problem, you can always go to your resident Dr. Banner to strategize and come up with the answer.

And when you need the passion that Hulk brings to the table, you’ll know how to identify her or him.

Dr. Banner/Hulk can be identified as the one who:

• Breaks down complex ideas
• Provides solutions
• Is the brainy one
• Values people around him/her
• Passionate about his/her work
• Promotes fair workplace practices.
• Unafraid of bringing emotions to work

Black Widow

Natasha Romanoff, who goes by her Avenger name, Black Widow, is the talented spy who is efficient, ruthless and exceptional at her work. With a sense of innate heroism, Black Widow returned from evil to working for the good.

Even though she is a super spy whose training included staying away from emotions and attachments, Black Widow, has made friends and allies and has developed a dedication towards the SHIELD team.

Want to spot the real Black Widow among your peers in the workplace? Look out for these characteristics:

• Silent worker
• Efficient and fast at her work
• Dedicated to teammates
• Ready to help the team when the going gets tough

Now, let’s take a moment, pause, and appreciate the leader who brought all these superheroes together.

Agent Fury is your classic HR leader. He single-handedly recruited the top “talent.” Visited each superhero and made them believe in a higher purpose. He tapped into their hidden fears, driving factors and emotions to get them to fight to protect the world.

A talented spy himself, his entry into the world of superheroes was through Captain Marvel. Later, he took it upon himself to find others and create the SHIELD.

Want to spot Agent Fury among your leaders? Here are a few key characteristics:

• A never say quit attitude
• Strong people skills
• Understands human (and superhero) nature.

In your organization, you are bound to find someone like Agent Fury who has a knack of identifying the true potential in an individual and inspiring them to work towards a common goal.

While you might have come across these superheroes in your daily life, here’s your chance to tag them and say “Thank You” for making your work, a better place.