Identifying Your Superpower to Develop Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy

Abstract

In the last 15 years, there has been a surge of superhero stories within popular culture. This learning experience is not focused on the external heroism of the individual and their achievements, but on the internal growth that the hero experiences as they discover their powers and learn how to use them for success. This popular journey narrative is consistent with the following: (1) The superhero first gains the self-knowledge of their powers. (2) They develop this power over time to achieve mastery. (3) The superhero must develop a belief in their capacity to use their power (i.e., self-efficacy), and finally (4) use this superpower to succeed. Consistent with this narrative approach of the superhero’s discovery journey, this experiential learning activity helps learners first recognize that they also possess an important skill or personal resource. Then, the participant is challenged to trace the growth of this skill as it evolved to become their “superpower.” In doing so, the learner begins to realize that they already have a growth mindset, although they may have not been explicitly aware of it, which can be leveraged and applied to their entrepreneurial aspirations. This, in turn, leads to increased entrepreneurial self-efficacy.