What’s your superpower? We all have at least one, although it may not be the ability to fly, or to make yourself invisible at will.

You may not know, but the chances are that those around you will know. The people you work with will see those things you do so well that no-one else can do, and which don’t happen when you are not around. It might be the ability to make sure everyone has a chance to speak in the conversations, or the thoughtfulness that prompts you to bring in cake to an in-person meeting. Maybe its the courage to ask the question that everyone has in their mind but no-one wants to ask because it seems foolish. Or it could be the sharpness to get right to the painful heart of an argument and expose the real issue in the heated discussion. A skill or a quality that is noticeably strong, exceptional.

So what is your superpower? It’s not arrogant to reflect on this, although the language might make it seem so. Fictional characters have superpowers as engines for the stories they inhabit, but this idea applies to us ordinary mortals too. It’s a variation on the strengths model which is mentioned in my book (chapter 7). Natural strengths are defined as those skills which come naturally to you, which are easy for you and which fit with kind of personality you have. Using them will make your working life more rewarding and just might make the world a better place, too. Superpowers are often a particular offshoot of your natural strengths, a small, exceptional skill.

The challenge is to use it often, and wisely. Can you craft your job, or your working day to find opportunities to use it?