I saw this at work in a recent meeting with a VP of Marketing for a packaged goods company. He was discussing with his team how to get into the mind of consumers so they’ll buy the company’s product. The product was a food item that this VP believed really improves the long-term health of children. He was passionate about his subject and had a personal connection to what he was saying. I could have listened to him all day. He was not just creating the materials for a marketing campaign; he was inspiring his team to create a campaign that changed people’s motivations for buying – to present a product that changed their lives. Everyone in the room felt like this campaign really mattered. This was a perfect example of bringing his It Factor – his passion for the goal. And he changed the tone of the meeting from merely getting a task done to creating a campaign that inspired both his employees and the people who will buy their product.
So, how do you get in touch with your It Factor?
Step 1: Because the It Factor is based on your unique experiences and unique viewpoint, it starts with being able to summarize what you personally care about. What is the reason that you are committed to being a senior leader in your company or organization? Look at your values. Look at your passion. Answer the question: Why do I care so deeply about being a leader of people in my specific company? To help you with this step, here are some examples of clients that I’ve worked with in the past and the passions that drive their success:
• A VP of a financial services company says that what he cares deeply about is financial education for people so that they have a better life.
• A VP in a pharmaceutical company is passionate about accelerating the development of cures for diseases.
• The head of a research organization cares deeply about interdisciplinary approaches to health care.
• A VP at a consumer goods company is driven to teach people to accomplish more together rather than separately.
In each of these cases it is their passion combined with their leadership skills that drive their success in their companies.
Step 2: Clarify what you think needs to be different in the world. You need to have the courage and develop the power to go out into the world with your very personal and specific viewpoint about what needs to change. But, before you can do that, you need to be very clear about exactly what that is. Then look for how you can make that contribution to the world, even while in your current leadership position.
Step 3: You will need to get out there creating relationships with people – connecting to people – and inviting them to join you in doing things to make the changes you want to see in the world. People are attracted to you and join in your cause, if you inspire them to care too. This is what creates followership. It is your It Factor that will attract people to want to work with you.
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