40 | WELLBEING
Flipping the narrative: how to recognise your superpowers and build on your strengths
W hen was the last time someone got in touch to say what a brilliant job your payroll team does? What about how long it takes for emails to fly when something goes wrong? It’s all too easy to feel demoralised when you only hear from the rest of your organisation in moments of crisis. This article is about changing that narrative. It’s about helping you and your team see the value you bring and ensuring that recognition starts from within. Unsung professionals who keep everything moving When I spoke at the CIPP’s Annual Conference and Exhibition or ‘ACE’ at Celtic Manor in October 2025, I met many brilliant pay professionals. It’s clear, as a profession, you care deeply about your work, your teams and the trust you hold on behalf of others. One theme also stood out. It’s that payroll can be one of those professions where it’s all too easy for good work to be invisible, while mistakes stand out. It’s understandable that morale can take a hit when the only feedback you hear is when something hits the fan. What also resonated is an underlying sense of optimism. A shared desire to be better and to flip the narrative. It’s knowing that payroll isn’t merely a back-office task; it’s the underpinning of every organisation, keeping people safe, supported and secure. Why we struggle to celebrate what’s right As human beings, we’re not great at saying, “I’m really good at this.” It feels awkward, self-indulgent and like we’re bragging. All too commonly, we downplay our strengths, shrug off the things we do well and quietly move on to the next task. When we don’t celebrate what’s right, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to build
our capabilities. We overly fixate on what’s wrong and that quietly steals the pride we could take in our work and the confidence we bring to our roles. I think it’s about taking the time to recognise what you do brilliantly, and to help others do the same. Flipping the script I have one simple idea that can turn that ship around. It’s an activity I’ve run hundreds of times with leaders and teams. If you’re open to it, it can be a transformative experience. I call it the ‘Superpowers Activity’. It’s deceptively simple and deeply human. Ask this question to a handful of people you know and trust: “What do you think my superpower is?” “What’s the one thing I do better than anyone else you know?” The answers are often surprising. They
show how others see you. Sometimes in ways you’ve never considered. I can still remember the words of my friends and colleagues the first time I did this activity. It’s impactful for three reasons: 1. You’re hearing feedback from people whose opinions you trust. It lands deeper and lasts longer. 2. It gives you permission to say good things about yourself because they’re not your words, they’re the words of others.
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