When your superpower becomes a weakness
“What is your superpower?”. A common interview question, and one some folks dread being asked. Even if you are not looking for a new role, thinking about this subject can help you to make better choices.
A superpower is an aptitude for something many people find difficult. Most people have at least one or two. So far, so good... but when might your superpowers cause problems?
Whatever your superpower might be (relationship building, problem solving, understanding customers, etc.) there are almost certainly times when relying on that behaviour is a bad idea. It’s probably something that comes naturally to you, feels very easy (almost like breathing), and often helps you to make progress. This means you may turn to it frequently, perhaps without even noticing, and that can become a problem.
I’ll share my own perspective. For me, humour is a superpower. In most situations I am able to find an amusing, relatable angle and share it with others. This can be hugely valuable — it puts people at ease, can help them to feel safe in expressing themselves and, lest we forget, it makes them laugh and that makes them feel good. I have sometimes explained to my colleagues and clients that when I joke about something it’s because it is important; I rarely bother to joke about trivial things.
However, there are times when turning to humour is not a good option. People who don’t know me well might wonder if I am giving a serious situation the attention it deserves. A team that really cares about the outcome of a decision may not appreciate me joking about the way the decision might be made.
It’s great to have a superpower; it helps to know when to set it aside and reach for one of your other skills instead.
Bonus superpower tips for those looking for new roles…
Identify your second and third superpowers… seasoned interviewers may ask, “OK, I get that one… tell me about another superpower you have…”. Be ready!
A few folks suggest you should pick a literal superpower like flying or x-ray vision and relate that to your role. I think that’s overly literal but it may feel better for some people.
