How do I find my superpower?

There is something special about you. It might be something that you can't even see, but the people around you instinctively recognize it.?

Superpowers can take many forms, and they fall into a few broad categories: social/relational, work, and personal. Your superpower in a work context may be different from your superpower in a social or personal context. You can decide which of these areas to focus on depending on what you are trying to uncover.

No matter which area of your life you choose to reflect on, there are three steps you can take to identify your unique gift.

Step 1: Self-identify your superpower. Reflecting on your own experiences can help you get clarity. Take some time to consider the following questions:

• What energizes you?
• What do the people around you appreciate you for??
• What seems obvious to you, but is difficult for other people??

Think outside the box for this. Your superpower may go beyond the usual "analytical," "people-oriented," or "good at negotiating." Look for the things that come naturally to you, that you gravitate toward, and that others appreciate about you.

Step 2: Ask those around you to assess you. The people who know you well can hold up a mirror to the things you miss. By consulting others, you can identify your blindspots and standout areas.?

• Social/relational: If you want to find your superpower in a social context, seek out five people who have known you for some time. Your closest friends may have a less clear perspective, so look for those whom you know well, but aren’t in your inner circle.?
• Work-related: In a work context, you can find your superpower by consulting three close colleagues, three of your managers (former and current), and your sponsor. This will give you a broad view from multiple vantage points.
• Personal: Find your personal superpower by asking for feedback from your spouse, your kids, and your parents. For this one, you can also ask your closest and oldest friends.?

Step 3: Compile a list and assess. Once you've gathered feedback, list all the different responses you received, as well as any potential superpowers you've identified in yourself. You can:

• Take the list of the most commonly shared responses from those around you and compare it to the list you made for yourself.?
• Rate yourself on each of the top five items.
• Show the lists you made to a couple of trusted people, such as someone from your mentoring circle or a coach.??

Looking at the information in black and white can help you see what you've missed and what you want to hone. It's also a chance to reflect on what resonates with you, and what you want to set aside in favor of sharpening other skills. I talk about my superpower of learning in my post about Imposter Syndrome.

Finding your superpower is a journey of self-discovery. By enlisting the help of your friends and colleagues, you may even learn something new about yourself.