Illustration: Cathryn Lloyd
Every high-performing team has its own kind of magic. A particular energy in the space between people, where something greater than individual effort comes alive.
Helen Zink and I have been exploring how these collective qualities and strengths of trust, resilience, knowledge sharing and decision making show up in practice. What we’re noticing is that great teams don’t just work together, they tune in to each other. They know how to read the vibe, adjust under pressure, and use difference as fuel for creativity.
The ‘marvel’ of strong teams isn’t what each person brings; it’s what they create together.
That’s the space where Team Superpowers live. In those subtle exchanges: in the trust built over time, the shared sense of purpose, and the collective imagination that surfaces when people feel safe enough to show up fully.
Think of it as a palette of potential. Each person brings colour, texture, and tone. When those differences are recognised, valued and used well, insight and innovation multiply.
Here’s what we’re noticing in our work:
- Teams shift from co-operating to co-creating when understanding purpose is shared and roles are clear.
- Belonging is not soft – it’s structural. When people feel seen and heard, they invest more of themselves.
- Resilience emerges through challenges and honest conversations.
- Candour with care shapes the quality of relationships and outcomes.
It’s when the masks come off that good teams become marvellous ones.
Two questions for your next team conversation
- Where do we already see team superpowers at work? What are we doing (or not doing) that enables them?
- What one small change in what we do and how we do it together could strengthen the space between us?
Helen and I are continuing our series on Team Superpowers – exploring relatable stories, simple practices, and ways to work with what’s already present.
If you’d like to explore this more deeply, Helen and I have already created Leadership Coaching Superpower resources, including a comprehensive visual guide, a Power-Up Planner, and a framework for conversation and reflection. Email cathryn@maverickminds.com.au to receive a copy.
And now we’re working on our Team Superpower resources.
Curious to bring Team Superpowers to life in your team?
We’d love to have that conversation with you. Click the link to get In touch.