My daughter was Spiderman for Halloween.  Her best friend was a magic sparkle princess.   The two were resplendent in super powers and I was struck by how my child transformed when she donned her costume.  A normally somewhat reserved girl who hates to be on stage, she became a whole new person as Spiderman.  She was loud, outspoken and tough – running fast and posing “mean.”  She was empowered!

This reminds me of client who was figuring out his personal leadership style.  His bosses encouraged him to have more confidence during his meetings with senior management – to establish an executive presence of his own.  After revealing that he feels most alive and confident when he DJs (a side gig he is passionate about) I suggested he experiment with being the DJ in his executive meetings.  Not literally, of course, but rather to tap into that energy and enthusiasm that he experiences as a DJ prior to his meetings, and carry that power with him.  The result:  his colleagues and bosses are responding differently.  He’s been praised for recent executive presentations and he feels more influential and at ease with his bosses and subordinates.

A friend of mine is a world class sailor.  When she goes into a difficult meeting she takes her sailor with her.  For particularly nerve-wracking situations, like a tough job interview, she might take a few minutes before the meeting to visualize the steps she takes on the boat, really feeling the smooth efficiency of her every imagined act.  This puts her in touch with her most calm, capable and powerful self, and gives her a confidence that brings her great success (and lands her jobs!)

So how about you?  What inner superhero do you bring to the table?