Superhero Intros
Team members introduce themselves as superheroes, sharing their superpower, origin story, and nemesis. Creative icebreaker that reveals personality while having fun.
10-20 min
3-30 people
medium
None needed
About This Game
Superhero Intros transforms traditional introductions into a playful, imaginative experience. Each person creates their superhero persona, describing their superpower (a real skill or trait), origin story (how they got here), nemesis (a challenge they face), and catchphrase. This low-pressure format helps people share meaningful information about themselves through creative storytelling, making introductions memorable and revealing personality in ways standard intros don't.
Objectives
- Make introductions more engaging and memorable than standard formats
- Reveal personality traits and work styles through creative metaphor
- Break down social barriers through playfulness and humor
- Help team members see each other's strengths in a fresh way
- Create inside jokes and shared references for the team
How to Run This Game
Facilitator Script:
"Let's do introductions superhero-style! You'll introduce yourself as a superhero. Think about: What's your superpower (a real skill or trait)? What's your origin story (how you got here/this role)? Who's your nemesis (a challenge you face)? And what's your catchphrase? Take 2 minutes to think. I'll go first as an example!"
Actions:
- Explain the four elements: superpower, origin story, nemesis, catchphrase
- Emphasize these should be based on real traits/experiences
- Demonstrate with your own example
- Give 2 minutes for individual thinking
Tips:
- • Your example sets the tone - be creative but authentic
- • Example: "I'm Captain Connector. My superpower is bringing people together. My origin story: spent years in many different companies learning what makes teams tick. My nemesis: Calendar Chaos (back-to-back meetings). My catchphrase: 'Let's make magic together!'"
- • For virtual: can type examples in chat as reminder
- • Keep it lighthearted - no pressure for Hollywood-quality stories
Facilitator Script:
"Take 2-3 minutes to create your superhero. Don't overthink it - first ideas are usually best! Your superpower should be something you're actually good at or known for."
Actions:
- Set timer for 2-3 minutes
- Remind people to jot down notes
- Walk around (if in-person) offering help to anyone stuck
- Suggest they can use their actual name or create a superhero name
Tips:
- • Help stuck participants: "What are you good at? What challenge frustrates you?" Start there.
- • It's OK to be simple: "My superpower is staying organized."
- • The nemesis is often the most revealing - procrastination, imposter syndrome, technology fails
- • Catchphrases can be work mottos or funny one-liners
Facilitator Script:
"Who wants to go first? Remember: superpower, origin story, nemesis, catchphrase. Make it yours!"
Actions:
- Go around circle or call on volunteers
- Keep time per person (1-2 minutes max)
- React enthusiastically to each intro
- Ask 1-2 clarifying questions if there's time
- Encourage applause or reactions after each
Tips:
- • If someone forgets an element, that's OK - don't force it
- • For virtual: use reactions/emojis to celebrate each superhero
- • Notice patterns: many nemeses might be the same (great conversation starter later)
- • The origin story often reveals motivations and values - listen closely
Facilitator Script:
"Amazing superhero team! What surprised you? Did anyone share a nemesis you also face? These superpowers are real - let's remember them as we work together."
Actions:
- Invite brief reflections
- Point out common nemeses or complementary superpowers
- Acknowledge vulnerability in sharing challenges
- Connect back to real work: "When you need [superpower], you know who to ask"
Tips:
- • Take notes on people's superpowers for future reference
- • Common nemeses create instant bonds: "So we ALL struggle with email overload!"
- • This can become ongoing joke: "Time to call in Captain Organized!"
- • For ongoing teams: revisit superhero personas in future check-ins
Facilitator Tips
- The example you give sets the tone - balance creativity with authenticity
- Real superpowers are often "soft skills" people undersell: listening, organizing, enthusiasm, calm under pressure
- Common nemeses: procrastination, email overload, imposter syndrome, saying no, context-switching
- This works surprisingly well for senior executives - everyone likes being a superhero
- Save the intros - reference them later: "We need Captain Detail on this project!"
- For recurring teams: create a "Superhero Team" poster with everyone's powers
- Can be adapted for kids' teams, university groups, or any age
Common Challenges & Solutions
Variations & Adaptations
In groups of 3-4, create a superhero team together with combined powers, shared origin story, and team nemesis.
Focus only on professional skills as superpowers - more corporate-appropriate version.
After introductions, pair up and interview each other's superheroes, then introduce your partner to the group.
Add visual element - quick sketch of your superhero costume/emblem.
teams have used this game