The character of Hangman in Top Gun Maverick resonated very strongly with me today. It is a character that is just sheer talent but with a little bit of an edge. That edge is at odds with a team. A team requires people to suppress their ego, to contribute, lead or follow. It cannot have heroes. Ask the Indian cricket team or Portugal why they can’t win more world cups. It is heroism.

But there are days when you play a strong team player, are sheer talent, and yet get dropped for inexplicable reasons. Today is that day. Life throws you lemons, you deal with it and come back to play tomorrow. You did your best, not much more you can do beyond that. Or is there? You cheer for the team, celebrate their win, or commiserate with their loss. This is hard for heroes but typical for team players who know they must earn their spot daily. Nothing is granted and there is no such thing as privilege.

The character of Hangman in Top Gun Maverick resonated very strongly with me today. It is a character that is just sheer talent but with a little bit of an edge. That edge is at odds with a team. A team requires people to suppress their ego, to contribute, lead or follow. It cannot have heroes. Ask the Indian cricket team or Portugal why they can’t win more world cups. It is heroism.

But there are days when you play a strong team player, are sheer talent, and yet get dropped for inexplicable reasons. Today is that day. Life throws you lemons, you deal with it and come back to play tomorrow. You did your best, not much more you can do beyond that. Or is there? You cheer for the team, celebrate their win, or commiserate with their loss. This is hard for heroes but typical for team players who know they must earn their spot daily. Nothing is granted and there is no such thing as privilege.