It’s not Darth Vader you need to fear. It’s the unknown faceless guy you never heard of.

We all know the central characters of the Star Wars universe.  The stars – the A Players who stride across that universe’s story arc, rewriting history in the bright flashes of  exploding Tie Fighters and Jedi Lightsabers.

Go ahead, say them with me now — Luke Skywalker. Princess Leia. Obi Wan Kenobi.  Darth Vader. Han Solo. Chewbacca.  Hell, I’d even throw R2D2 and C3PO into that bunch.

I love those guys, just like everyone else.  They are the stars of the main story, but they are not the only characters and their story is not the only story in Star Wars.  For example, consider just one of the many secondary story characters

Secondary characters in stories are always the troublemakers.

Consider Jango Fett.

Wait….who?

 

“I’m just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe” – Jango Fett

According to Wookiepedia, Jango Fett was a renowned human Mandalorian bounty hunter, assassin, mercenary, and the “father” of Boba Fett, a genetic clone of his, whom he raised as a son.

A Human from Concord Dawn, Fett was adopted by Mandalorian warriors following the murder of his parents and the disappearance of his older sister Arla in 58 BBY. Years later, he would go on to lead them through much of the Mandalorian Civil War as Mandalore. After being imprisoned by Jedi, Fett was responsible for destroying the Death Watch, a Mandalorian group who killed Fett’s mentor, Jaster Mereel.

Following the conclusion of that conflict, Fett became a bounty hunter, quickly establishing a reputation as being one of the best in the galaxy. Later on, Fett agreed to serve as the genetic template for the clones that would form the bulk of the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. When Master Obi-Wan Kenobi located Jango and Boba on Kamino, Fett fled to join Count Dooku. Though struck down by Mace Windu in combat, Fett’s legacy would live on through his son, Boba, as well as his cloned brethren, who would have a profound impact on galactic history.

Just a simple man trying to make his way in the universe, huh?

Jango Fett and his cloned genetic offspring became the storm trooper army of the evil Empire, giving service without reason in battle after battle.

Predictable. Precise. Unquestioning. Overwhelming in sheer numbers.

Perfect soldiers put to work serving a corrupt cause, they were just copies of the first Jango Fett, right down to his attitude.

Simple clones trying to make their way in the universe without reason.

Don’t let the members of your organization be like Jango Fett.

Don’t let the clones win.  You are your organization’s only hope, Obi Wan!

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This post was written by Mike VanDervort. Mike is a life-long human resources professional focused on building a workplace driven by  positive associate relations.  Mike is a volunteer leader for SHRM at the state and national level. He is currently a member of the SHRM Special Expertise panel on Labor Relations, and a volunteer leader with HR Florida. Mike is also an accomplished social media user, and is frequently asked to speak and write on the topic.

Mike was one of the first people to reach out to me when I began blogging. I admire his wisdom about the world of work — from labor relations to tech to social media to coffee and hockey! And when I least expect it (and usually most need it), he just comes out of nowhere with an encouraging comment that makes me keep pressing in my journey. He’s a gem!

I will get to spend time with Mike at the upcoming Illinois SHRM Conference. You can read more of his writings and connect with him at his blog, The Human Race Horses.

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Don’t miss any of the posts in the Star Wars series:

• “Han Solo” by Dwane Lay
• “Darth Vader” by Chris Fields
•  “Obi-Wan Kenobi” by Donna Rogers Skowronski
• “Yoda” by Buzz Rooney