Author: Jojo Varona
Recently, one of our clients asked me what the superpower is of one of the candidates I presented to them. I was a little taken aback, but upon thinking about it, I understood what they were asking. What makes the candidate different from other people? What sets them apart from other candidates but is not reflected on their resume.
Each one of us has our own superpower. Some have more than one. Superman could lift tall buildings, and Luke Skywalker had the superpowers of levitation and premonition (among others!). A person’s superpower is their particular genius: the specific, unique, and specialized skill that they bring to the workplace. It is their secret sauce.
A superpower isn’t a skill but a perspective, a mindset, a way of working that enhances everything you touch. It’s unique, like a thumbprint, part of your brand. It is that quality that causes others to say, “You know who would be great for this…?” or “We should go to so and so. They would know exactly what to do here.”
What could you do for your team? A good starting point is to first see if you can name your own superpower. It’s that thing you provide that’s so great. Maybe you’re the one who listens and listens and then neatly summarizes the big idea of the conversation. Or perhaps you’re the one who picks up on what no one is saying but everyone is thinking and feeling. Or maybe you take really complex information and make it digestible for people. Maybe you haven’t ever really noticed your own superpower, likely because it’s what you do every day without even thinking about it. You just didn’t know what to call it. But it’s there, and people count on you to engage your superpower when it's needed to save the situation.
I asked the people in our office what is their superpower, and these are answers:
Mike G – Great Networker
Liz – Energy
Darcy – Creativity
Jojo – Dependability
Mike S – Adaptability
Tammy – Responsibility
Michelle – Empathy
Here are three questions you can use to help identify your superpowers:
What unique contribution do you bring to the projects, conversations, and meetings you attend?
What do people come to you for?
What would be missing if you were to leave?
Have fun with your answers!