What’s your superpower?
Working with the Board of an organisation recently, I challenged them to share what their superpowers are. I wanted to help them get to know each other differently and to recognise the value they each bring to the organisation. I also wanted to help build in some playfulness and an element of creativity, as well as start to work more collaboratively together.
Honestly, some of them struggled. These are all highly capable people with longstanding careers and life experiences which give them incredible strengths, but they still stalled when asked to name their superpower in front of their colleagues. If you can’t even identify and name it, it can be even harder to bring it to life.
Throughout our two days together I could see their superpowers shining through - even when I asked them the question on day 1. It was obvious to me what most of them brought to the group. I do have a strength in spotting superpowers and naming them but it surprised me how hard they found it. My focus throughout the time together was to help them to bring those superpowers together, for the sake of the goals we had set to work on.
Here are three things I noticed, and the ways I helped them to bring their best selves to work:
Many people find it really hard to own what they’re good at
So I was clear and specific in acknowledging the gifts I saw each person bring to the conversation.
Even senior leaders struggle to have the courage to bring their superpowers to the table if they sense they might be judged or viewed as controversial by colleagues
So I made sure we were supportive, even when challenging the views being expressed and I spoke to people in the breaks to help them become more courageous.
We are not used to reflecting on what we’re good at and how we can bring more of that
So I invited everyone to think about what they brought and how they can do more of it.
What would become possible if you gave yourself permission to bring your best self to work - with no limits!?
(And if you don’t know what your superpowers are, ask a colleague or trusted friend - they’ll help you to identify what you bring to a team that is in short supply).
