I believe that I possess a special gift. Some might say it’s something I learned, others might say it’s because of the starts — while I believe it was written into my heart by my creator. The fact remains, I have it and it’s discernible. The unfortunate thing is, while valuable, it is not sought after. It certainly has no place on a resume and it isn’t something you can claim at a job interview. I have what I would describe as the X-Factor.
X-Factor – a noteworthy special talent or quality.
I’m not talking about singing, dancing or some other Simon Cowell pleasing talent. I am talking about the ability to bring synergy to a team. I have a sixth sense for morale and the ability to change it’s trajectory. I have used this talent while coaching High School sports and I have used this talent in business to destroy working silos and to form a team from scratch. While it isn’t something I can put directly on my resume, it does manifest itself in a certain vernacular. Words like Team, Coach, Synergy are all signs that the person you’re interviewing might have it.
Ronald Regan said, “Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere as long as the policy you’ve decided upon is being carried out.” In my not so humble opinion, this is one of the qualities of the best people. This is also required of one of the team members, in order to keep the synergy flowing.
How do you know if you have it?
For me, I was un-aware of it, in my 6 years of coaching high school and college sports. It was an innate ability to inspire my team and pull them along, instead of pushing them. It was doing push-ups with them when they misbehaved, instead of letting them do them alone. It was sacrificing my time, to go to a meal with them, or hit the sauna when they were cutting weight. As Marcus Arreilius said to Maximus in the film Gladiator, “Win the crowd, and you will win your freedom.” You must be able to win people through self sacrifice. You must show them that you are not better than them, you merely have a role that affords you different responsabilities.
I became glaringly aware of it, during my tenure working for a church. As I taught semi-monthly in the High School Ministry and raised up teams of volunteers, I began to see people follow and trust me. I would hold classes weekly to teach people how to use their SLR cameras. Many of these people went on to do portraiture for cash on the side. I invested in these people and they became great friends. Sometimes, I would be sitting in my office singing aloud to Johnny Cash and would hear other people in the office giggling. As they would walk by, I would see them smile. From a business perspective, it was less than professional. From a work perspective, it was invaluable.
When I left the church, I received a book of notes from the staff with stories that they would never forget. I’m not trying to toot my own horn. I merely think that it’s an under appreciated aspect of business and for me, it is something I am looking for as I raise up leaders.
How do you know you have it? You’re the litmus test. Walk into a room and see if the mood changes. Ask someone for a favor and see if they’re willing to oblige. Take a survey of the land-scape.
I have it. Now what?
2 words — Use it! Exercise your gift and like a muscle it will gain strength. Also, other people will begin to exercise it in themselves. When they see it is safe, they will let down their guard and let the synergy flow. Sometimes a goofy dance or a silly face is just enough to break the ice and let everyone relax.
As the old saying goes:
Laughter is the best medicine
Studies in psychology have proven it.
Do you have the X-Factor? How are you exercising this muscle?