What is Your Executive Superpower?

In a recent interview, a journalist asked me, “What is your superpower?”

Answer: I didn’t have an answer, at least not yet! After taking some time to self-reflect, I realized I have a superpower. I just needed to know where to look.

Everyone has a superpower

—something you are good at and enjoy doing- that benefits those around you. Finding your superpower(s) can be a gratifying process for you and those you interact with.

The journalist’s question piqued my interest, so I did an informal poll of some executives I know. But before asking what their superpowers were, I asked them where they found their superpowers.

Why did I start with “where”? Well, we usually don’t think we are super at anything. So, knowing “where” to look often will help us discover the “what.”

“Do you just know?” I asked the executives. “Did you have an epiphany? Or was it some repeat experience?”

One executive told me the following: “I realized my superpower one day on a hike, and another hiker needed medical help. I’m not a doctor, but I realized how much it meant to me to be there for that stranger and assist him in a time of need.”  

What is this executive’s superpower? First, he can take charge during an emergency while showing compassion. What does that mean about his leadership style? He can manage crises with empathy.

Another executive told me the following: “I started to find my superpower roots when some team members were at an impasse on an essential project. Everyone dug in their heels. I left the room and reentered a few minutes later with a Groucho Marx face mask and a rubber cigar. I circled the room, making light of their behavior, and the room went wild with laughter. They still have differences of opinion, but now understand that it’s laughable not to find a way to compromise.”

What is this executive’s superpower? She can find solutions to avoid unproductive use of time and break decisional stalemates. What’s that mean about her leadership style? She can lead with creativity, humor and collaboration.

So, where can you find your superpower?

Here are a few suggestions on where to look:

  1. Passion projects—Why do you do these? What values or beliefs do they reinforce for you?
  2. Skills—What shows off your skills in your work or home life, and where do you usually use them? For instance, if you coordinate your child’s Saturday activities, your superpower might be taking complex situations and breaking them down into manageable parts.
  3. Self-discovery—Take some time to reflect on what motivates you.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what my superpower is, it’s facilitating relationship development. I realized I could quickly put myself in another’s shoes and understand their perspective more fully. My lens sharpened, and my mindset opened. As a leader, I can unwind, reset relationships, and create productive communication.