What’s your superpower?
This might not be a question you’re used to answering, typically because most of the time a superpower is thought to be something impossible like x-ray vision or teleportation but what if having a superpower meant something different?
Whether you’re in a job interview, giving a presentation, or leading a team, there’s always one trait or skill that gives you an edge. Sometimes though, just having that trait doesn’t always mean it’s being utilised, you need to know it and harness it as well. Dr. Heather Melville OBE calls this your “superpower”—the unique strength that sets you apart from others and plays a pivotal role in your career success.
In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, identifying and leveraging your superpower is more important than ever. It allows you to be intentional about your career path, align your strengths with opportunities, and leave a lasting impact in your professional environment. Self-discovery is not just about figuring out what you’re good at; it’s about recognising that unique value you bring to every interaction and using it to advance your career.
The Dr. Heather Melville Approach to Superpowers
Dr. Heather Melville, a leader in corporate banking and professional services, emphasises the importance of not just knowing your strengths, but truly owning them. In her work, she often challenges people to go beyond the surface-level traits they might list on a resume or discuss in an interview. Instead, she asks them to dig deeper and discover the one thing that truly defines their impact in the workplace.
As Dr. Melville puts it, “When I ask people about their superpower, the conversation changes. I want to know, what is the one thing that makes you powerful when you walk into a room?” This approach shifts the focus from generic skills to a more introspective exploration of what makes each individual truly unique.
By asking people to reflect on their superpower, Dr. Melville encourages them to move beyond broad, common strengths like “teamwork” or “problem-solving” and instead uncover the deeper, more personal qualities that drive their success. When you know your superpower, you don’t just follow the crowd—you lead with clarity and purpose.
Why Identifying Your Superpower is Important
Stand Out in a Competitive Market
It’s a fast-paced and competitive market out there right now, so standing out is vital. Knowing your superpower allows you to position yourself as someone with a specific, valuable skillset that differentiates you from your peers.
Confidence and Impact
Once you’re aware you’ve got a superpower, it’s only natural that it will boost your confidence. You know what makes you valuable so you’re more likely to contribute meaningfully to discussions, projects, and team efforts.
Personal Branding
If you’re going to be remembered for something, you’d ideally want it to be something positive and your superpower can become part of that. It becomes a key part of your personal brand and is how others will see and remember you in professional settings.
How to Identify Your Superpower
Remember Past Successes
A good place to start is by reflecting on your past successes. Think about specific projects, challenges, or situations where you excelled. What skills or traits did you use to achieve those successes? Was it your leadership, creativity, or analytical thinking? Identifying common patterns can reveal the core strength that drives your success.
Ask Around
Sometimes, others see our strengths more clearly than we do. Ask colleagues, mentors, or even friends for feedback on what they think your strongest qualities are. Hearing how others perceive you can offer valuable insights into your superpower and help confirm strengths you might not have fully recognised.
Self-Assessment Tools
If you’re struggling to pinpoint your superpower, personality assessments can help. Tools like StrengthsFinder, Myers-Briggs, or the DISC profile are designed to help individuals uncover their core strengths and traits. These assessments provide a deeper understanding of your innate qualities, which can guide you toward recognising your unique superpower.
Look at Your Hobbies
Your superpower often aligns with what you’re passionate about. Passion fuels excellence, and it’s likely that the activities you enjoy the most are the ones where your superpower shines. Reflect on what drives you and where you naturally excel. Your passion can be the key to identifying the strengths that set you apart.
How to Use Your Superpower in the Workplace
Once you’ve identified your superpower, focus on projects that align with your strengths. For example, if you’re great at creative problem-solving, seek tasks that require innovative solutions. This will showcase your abilities and increase your chances of success and recognition.
Your superpower can also guide your career decisions. By pursuing roles that leverage your strengths, you’ll find greater fulfilment and purpose, allowing you to thrive in your career.
When it comes to leadership, recognise that no one excels in everything. Use your superpower to build a team that complements your skills. For instance, if you’re strong in relationship-building, add team members with technical or analytical strengths to create balance.
Dr. Heather Melville’s Superpower
Just like Wonder Woman, Dr. Heather Melville knew her superpowers from early on: relationship building and communication. These strengths have been the foundation of her leadership journey. By forming strong, genuine connections and effectively communicating her vision, Dr. Melville has been able to inspire and lead teams across multiple industries.
Dr. Melville has used her superpower to influence organisational culture, foster innovation, and drive diversity and inclusion initiatives. Her ability to communicate and build relationships has not only earned her recognition but also helped her mentor others and advocate for systemic change in the workplace. Her success story shows how deeply understanding your superpower can shape your career and the impact you make.
Super Quick Tips
Never Stop Learning
Even if you’ve already identified your superpower, it doesn’t mean you get to sit back and do nothing now. It’s important to keep honing it. Get feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors, and continually refine your skills so that you can stay sharp and leverage your superpower.
Networking Effectively
When you understand your unique strength, you can approach networking opportunities with confidence, knowing exactly what you bring to the table. Use it to build meaningful connections that align with your career goals.
Stay True to You
Your superpower is a part of your true self, it’s your strength, your unique ability and it’s important to use it positively so you can leave a positive lasting impression on everyone around you.
Conclusion
Discovering and leveraging your superpower is one of the most important steps you can take in your career. It helps you stand out in competitive environments, boosts your confidence, and allows you to make a lasting impact in your field. By understanding and embracing your unique strengths, you unlock new opportunities for growth and success.
Take time today to reflect on your superpower. What makes you unique, and how can you use that strength to advance your career? Start applying your superpower consciously in your professional interactions, and watch as it transforms the way you work and the impact you make.
It was a privilege to have Heather on the latest episode of Greatest Minds. To listen to the full episode, as well as our back catalogue of guests, see here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qfchLqU8jIUQcMu9s99ed?si=bf4728a94a59415c