?? The 6 Leadership Superpowers You Didn’t Know You Had
Melissa Schmidiger
?? Helping High-Achievers Lead with Clarity, Confidence and Purpose —Without Burnout | Former McKinsey, Singtel, Credit Suisse | Executive & Leadership Coach,Founder: Bravo Darlings
Most people think leadership is about confidence, expertise, and always knowing the next step.
But real leadership? It’s not about having all the answers.
The best leaders:
? Don’t have everything figured out.
? Don’t avoid failure.
? Don’t resist change.
They lean in, adapt, and grow. And the best part? You already have these superpowers—you just might not realize it yet.
1?? Saying “I Don’t Know” – And Owning It
?? Old myth: Leaders must always have the answers.
? Truth: Some of the most powerful leadership moments happen when you say, “I don’t know.”
?? It builds trust.
?? It creates space for collaboration.
?? It invites fresh ideas.
?? Example: When Satya Nadella became Microsoft’s CEO, he openly admitted he didn’t have all the answers. Instead of pretending, he asked his team: "What do you think?" That one shift helped turn Microsoft’s culture into one of learning, innovation, and trust.
Try this: Next time you’re unsure, say it—and then ask "What do you think?" You might be surprised by the insights that emerge.
2?? Turning Feedback & Failure Into Fuel
Most people avoid failure. The best leaders use it to grow.
?? Every setback teaches a lesson.
?? Tough feedback? It’s an opportunity, not a judgment.
?? Resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting up stronger.
?? Personal story: Early in my career, I got tough feedback that my communication style was too cautious. It stung—but instead of dismissing it, I started speaking up more boldly in meetings. A few months later, I got the best compliment: "You’ve become a confident, decisive leader."
Try this: Think of the last time feedback stung. Instead of dismissing it, ask: "What’s one way I can use this to improve?"
3?? Empathy: The Silent Force Behind Influence
Great leaders don’t just lead—they listen.
?? Empathy isn’t just kindness—it’s strategy.
?? It builds trust, engagement, and loyalty.
?? The best leaders create environments where people thrive.
?? Example: Brené Brown talks about how leaders who practice empathy create stronger, more resilient teams. They make people feel heard and valued, which boosts performance and retention.
Try this: In your next conversation, focus on listening more than responding. Watch how it changes the dynamic.
4?? Adaptability: Thriving in Uncertainty
The only constant in leadership? Change.
?? Great leaders don’t resist uncertainty—they embrace it.
?? They pivot, adjust, and stay open to new ideas.
?? They see obstacles as opportunities.
?? Example: In 2020, Airbnb lost 80% of its revenue overnight. Instead of panicking, their leadership team pivoted—they focused on long-term stays, launched new safety protocols, and leaned into their community. Today, they’re stronger than ever.
Try this: Next time something unexpected happens, pause before reacting. Ask: "What’s the opportunity here?"
5?? Courage: The Backbone of Bold Leadership
Courage isn’t just about taking risks. It’s about:
?? Standing firm in your values.
?? Having tough conversations.
?? Making hard decisions—even when they’re uncomfortable.
?? Real-world example: When Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, faced a national crisis, she made bold, decisive choices—even when they were unpopular. Her courage to communicate openly, act quickly, and stand by her values won international respect.
???? This week’s challenge: What’s one bold move you’ve been putting off? Do it.
6?? Never Stop Learning
The best leaders never think they have it all figured out.
?? They seek out challenges.
?? They stay curious.
?? They take action before they feel ready.
?? Try this: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned from failure or feedback? Reply and share—I’d love to hear it. ????
?? Your Leadership Superpower Is Already in You.
You don’t need to be the loudest in the room. You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be perfect.
?? Great leadership is built on adaptability, courage, and growth. And you already have everything you need to lead powerfully—right now.
?? Ready to Take Your Leadership to the Next Level?
If you want to:
? Strengthen your leadership superpowers
? Show up with clarity, confidence & influence
? Lead with impact—without burning out
Then let’s chat.
??? Book a free 30-minute discovery call—let’s explore how you can level up your leadership?
?? Not ready for a call? Follow me for more leadership insights.
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Sr. Career Advisor | IC, Manager & Exec | Complex or Technical Career Marketing | Resumes, Interviews, Profiles | Forget Hype - Crack Your Market with 2nd Order Thinking
2 周Leadership is embracing uncertainty and learning from setbacks. Keep growing by listening, adapting, and taking bold actions aligned with your values. Melissa Schmidiger
Are you a high-achieving leader feeling overwhelmed and/or stuck? I can help! Together, we can get stuff done while you get to make your full impact in the world.
2 周I love the “I don’t know” part Melissa Schmidiger Real leaders don't need to have all the answers. They just need to invite the conversation.
Executive and Leadership Coach. Empowering Leaders to lead with clarity and confidence. Passionate about emotional intelligence and positive influence. Women leaders advocate. Fluent in French.
2 周Learning from failure is key...no one is perfect. I'm also a big fan of action over analysis paralysis. Start moving, you'll learn what works and what doesn't. Melissa Schmidiger
I help leaders break free from stress, make strategic decisions, and lead with a human-first approach
2 周Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to ask better questions. Love how you Melissa highlight adaptability and empathy as superpowers.