Preparation
01 · Prepare materials
- Cards or slips of paper (one per person)
- Pens or markers
- Optional: a box or bag to collect the cards
02 · Define the format
- Decide whether to do it anonymously (cards collected and read aloud) or in turns (each person shares directly).
- The anonymous format adds mystery and is ideal for groups that don't yet know each other well.
Step-by-step instructions
1
Introduction and warm-up (5 min)
- Explain that each person will think of a personal superpower: something they are good at, a special attitude, or an emotional, creative, or practical strength.
- Clarify that it can be real or playful — there are no wrong answers. Examples: "I have the superpower of listening without judging," "My superpower is turning chaos into order," "I can make anyone laugh at the right moment."
2
Individual writing (5 min)
- Each person writes their superpower on their card, anonymously (no names).
- Encourage creativity: they can give it a superhero name, describe it in an unusual way, or keep it simple and direct.
3
Collection and reading (10-15 min)
- Cards are collected in a box or bag, mixed, and read aloud one by one by the facilitator (or participants taking turns).
- After each card, the group has a moment to guess whose superpower it is — or simply to appreciate it.
- The author can choose to reveal themselves or stay anonymous until the end.
4
Closing reflection (5 min)
- A brief closing round: What surprised you? What superpower would you love to have in this group?
- Optional: create a collective superpower map on a shared sheet, with everyone's names and powers.
Materials
Cards or slips of paper (one per person)
Pens or markers
Box or bag for collecting cards (optional but recommended for the anonymous version)
Digital tools
Practical recommendations
Model the dynamic yourself first: share your own superpower before asking others to do so. This lowers the barrier significantly.
Keep the tone light and playful — this is not a performance evaluation. Humor and creativity are encouraged.
With children and youth: invite them to draw their superpower in addition to writing it, and give it a comic book name.
In teams with established dynamics: pair it with a reflection on how the group can activate these superpowers collectively throughout the project.
The anonymous format works best for first encounters; with more established groups, the direct sharing version generates deeper conversations.
Inspiration
Variants:
- Visual superpower: Each person draws their superpower as a symbol or superhero logo instead of writing it.
- Team superpower map: After the individual sharing, the group identifies which superpowers complement each other and creates a collective team power map.
- Superpower for the project: Each person shares the superpower they want to contribute specifically to the work ahead.
- Secret superpower + challenge: After sharing their superpower, each person names one challenge they face — creating a bridge between strengths and real needs.
- Is there a superpower in this group that surprised you?
- Which superpower do you think this team most needs right now?
- When has your superpower been most useful to others?
