How to Identify Your Leadership Superpowers
Nobody cares about Superman anymore. Because a comic book about one person’s power of flight, superhuman strength, heat vision, laser eyes, super speed and overall incredibility makes for an incredibly dull read.
What’s more compelling and more likely to produce a box office slam dunk such as Avengers is a team of superheroes, each with unique abilities and weaknesses, recruited by one visionary leader to save the world.
Steve Jobs was not the inventor of everything Apple. He knew almost nothing about computers or programming. But he was a genius marketer with plenty of people with the skill sets he needed, such as Steve Wozniak. It’s wise to diversify your talent pool of power players because investors are typically hesitant to invest in companies that rely too heavily on a single individual, according to a study by USC Marshall School of Business.
The ability to recognise necessary talent for your team is a superpower in itself. A business leader who tries to do everything will only find limited success. Because not only is Superman boring, he is also not real. And a Jack of all trades is a superhero of none.
Now that we’ve established that you don’t have to do everything, it’s time to find the strengths you should truly focus on.
If you can’t name your superpower, it’s probably because that ability is so intertwined with your DNA that you might take it for granted. It’s a thing you have always done with never giving it a second thought. Think harder. To help identify your superpower it’s time to ask yourself the below questions
What unique contribution do I bring to the projects, conversations and meetings I attend?
What do people tend to rely on me for and seek my counsel?
What do I enjoy doing immensely and don’t need to be paid or recognised for it?
What special contributions (not easily replaced) would be missing from this business if I were to leave?
Perhaps you’re the one able to see the big picture as a capable visionary? Do you have the intuitive and discerning radar that provides a great sense-check for ideas and plans? Do you simply have the very sharp and unique eye for detail? Maybe you never credit yourself for how much your speeches inspire the team? Or maybe your empathy and interpersonal connectivity motivates your team members and clients to stay by your side through thick and thin? Does your calm nature have a therapeutic effect on the collective, even during the biggest crisis?
The deeper you dig within yourself, the more invaluable attributes surface. Once you’ve identified these superpowers, it’s time for another volley of questions. Answering these will help you squeeze the most value out of your abilities.
How often am I using my superpower?
What is stopping me from using my superpower more?
Where precisely is my next opportunity to use this superpower?
How can I enhance and strengthen this superpower?
Where else could this superpower be used?
When will I next review these questions?
Once you’ve recognised your unique abilities, it’s time to encourage your executive team to look within themselves. This is a fun and fascinating team activity. Imagine the power you could unleash in your business if everyone knew their own AND everyone else’s superpowers, and they were being used intentionally and more frequently! Perhaps you can help all your employees realise what they really bring to the table on your righteous quest to save the world.
We know for certain that our superpower is helping promising companies reach their full potential. For more similar insights, click here to subscribe to our newsletter.