When I meet young talent for the first time, I like to ask, “What is your superpower?” Often, they look puzzled and reply with admirable but common qualities like “I work really hard” or “I’m very detail-oriented.” While these traits are valuable, I’m looking for something more—a quality or trait that truly sets them apart, something that makes them one in a thousand or even a million.
Identifying your superpower is not easy, but it is essential for standing out in a competitive landscape. There are basic professional requirements—punctuality, endurance, politeness, intelligence—and then there are the areas of true differentiation. While the basics may come naturally, the latter requires focused development.
Consider a proficient tennis player: their fundamental skills are solid, but it’s their killer forehand that makes them stand out. Similarly, a skilled soccer player might have excellent overall ability, but their exceptional speed sets them apart. These standout abilities define their superpower on the court or the field.
My advice?
Cultivate your own professional superpower—it’s integral to career success. My own superpower has evolved over time, merging traditionally conflicting skills like strong analytical abilities and high emotional intelligence (EQ). In a data agency, I was seen as the creative guy, and in a creative agency, I was the data guy. Bringing these two strengths together has been my differentiating factor.
Everyone possesses the potential for a superpower; the key lies in identifying, selecting, and relentlessly developing it.
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