The Prometheus Effect

• If you shine too bright, you dazzle.
• If you go too fast, you leave others behind.
• If you call out what is not working, you become a nuisance.

Result: many Prometheuses end up staying silent, leaving the organization, or burning out slowly.

A healthy organization does not sacrifice its Prometheuses. It recognizes them, guides them, gives them a legitimate space for action, political support, and a strategic channel. For the fire they bring can light up the entire company... or burn it down if they are silenced. A punished Prometheus is not a threat, but an ignored one is. A mistreated Prometheus eventually leaves, and the whole team falls back into darkness.