Presenting Team Superpowers

A leadership technique where you identify and present each team member's unique strength or "superpower" to build them up and encourage them to embody these traits.

Core Concept

• Present each team member's face on a slide
• Identify their unique strength that sets them apart
• Frame it as a "superpower" they possess
• Give specific examples of how this superpower manifests
• Assign a memorable nickname that captures their strength

Key Benefits

• Makes people aware of strengths they may not recognize in themselves
• Creates aspirational identities people want to live up to
• Helps architect the type of team you want
• Builds people up by highlighting their unique value
• Reinforces positive behaviors through recognition

Example Implementation

• Designer "The Mailman"

  • Superpower: Consistent, reliable delivery
  • Delivers quality work daily at same time
  • Takes unclear instructions and interprets them well
  • Maintains steady output vs sporadic bursts

• Team Member "Allergic to BS"

  • Superpower: Cutting through nonsense
  • Naturally identifies logical inconsistencies
  • Makes others improve their thinking
  • Keeps team honest and precise

Tips for Success

• Make observations both true and aspirational
• Give specific examples of the superpower in action
• Create memorable nicknames that stick
• Present to whole team to create shared understanding
• Focus on extreme strengths vs lack of weaknesses
• Use it to shape desired team behaviors

The key is identifying genuine strengths while creating aspirational identities that encourage people to further develop and embody their unique superpowers.