SSA Celebrity: Alfred Pennyworth (from Batman)
If you have watched the latest Batman movies starring Christian Bale, Alfred Pennyworth (simply referred to as “Alfred”) was played by Sir Michael Caine.
Alfred serves as Batman/Bruce Wayne’s tireless valet, assistant, butler, confidant, and surrogate father figure. He has sometimes been called “Batman’s batman.” Alfred also provides comic relief, as his sometimes sarcastic and cynical attitude often adds humor to dialogue occurring between himself and Batman. Alfred is a vital part of the Batman mythos, and appears in most other media adaptations of the character.
Even though Alfred is a fictional character, he is the classic SSA that every leader needs. There are some key SSA traits that make Alfred a wonderful representation of humble men and women of service that should be embraced and emulated in our own lives.
Even though Alfred’s job description is that of a stereotypical butler, his leadership and passion for building a platform of success under Bruce Wayne is anything but typical. Alfred manages the entire Wayne operations and operates at the highest level of trust. You will never find an ulterior motive with the true SSA. They exist to sacrifice, serve and make others great. This is what makes them heroic in their own right to be entrusted with the highest levels of authority in their own right.
Leaders are not always easy to love and support. The closer you are to any great leader, the more flaws you see. These flaws can either be exploited or protected. But just like every Batman needs an Alfred, so do other great, yet flawed, leaders in our society need the SSA. And just like Alfred, every SSA must learn to be secure in their calling. They may not share the spotlight, but they share the honor and fulfillment on the deepest level.
Bruce Wayne: No, Alfred, it’s my father’s house.
Alfred: Your father is dead, Master Wayne.
Bruce Wayne: And this place is a mausoleum. If I have my way, I’ll pull the damn thing down brick by brick.
Alfred: This house, Master Wayne, has sheltered six generations of your family.
Bruce Wayne: Why do you give a damn, Alfred? It’s not your family.
Alfred: I give a damn, because a good man once made me responsible for what was most precious to him in the whole world.
Bruce Wayne: Should I just bury the past out there with my parents, Alfred?
Alfred: I wouldn’t presume to tell you what to do with your past, sir. Just know that there are those of us who care about what you do with your future.
Bruce Wayne: Haven’t given up on me yet?
Alfred: Never.
Fictional characters also can have MDNA profiles. Typically every great character is based upon somebody in real life, except the persona and core traits are amplified. This makes learning the principles of their MDNA profile much easier and a valuable exercise. Not to mention it can be fun and entertaining.
Please note that these are unofficial profiles only and have not been verified. Description is only based upon public information and may represent either primary or secondary MDNA profiles. This profile is intended for educational purposes only to demonstrate the possibilities of MDNA for those that have been personally assessed.
