Episode 59 - 6 Jan 2020

The Leadership X-Factor

Why is it that some organizations completely transform after a change in leadership? What is it that truly makes leaders stand out and instill confidence and trust? In today's episode, Adam and John discuss the leadership "X-Factor" and put practical terminology to this somewhat intangible concept. Ultimately, while God looks at heart, people inevitably look at outward appearance.

Episode Summary

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7

The Leadership X-Factor

Why is it that some organizations completely transform after a change in leadership? What is it that truly allows leaders to stand out and instill confidence and trust in their teams? Why do some leaders seem to have an "X-Factor"? The answer may be fairly simple. While a leader's character, competency, and substance are incredibly important and indeed the "permission-to-play" basics, leaders cannot forget that perception matters because we are ministering to people. Like 1 Samuel says that unlike God, people focus on the outward appearance, making snap judgments and forget to look any further. We would be remiss if we completely ignore issues of style, perception, or appearance. This leadership "X-Factor" will always be a combination of both substance and style. Growing in leadership will mean faithfully taking strides to improve both.

5 Characteristics for Self-Reflection

Here are 5 things to consider when questioning your own leadership style and how you are being perceived by others:
1. Appearance - Rapid judgments are a real thing. People are going to instantly form opinions the moment they meet you. Leading well may mean making changes to your appearance. This does not mean you need to focus on clothes, hairstyles, or shoes. Instead, ask yourself if there is anything in your appearance that might distract the people you lead.
2. Communication - How you communicate, both verbally and non-verbally matters. Tone and body language are incredibly important and make up a massive percentage of communication. Do you look engaged during meetings? Leaders will look attentive and ready to listen.
3. Decisiveness - No matter what role you play, there will always be opportunities to instill confidence by being decisive. Asking thoughtful questions and making guided decisions will always benefit the room. Don't be afraid to ask for time to process and be clear that you will indeed make a decision.
4. Emotions - The way a you regulate your emotions, both positive and negative emotions, weighs heavily into how you are perceived by others. When you are tempted to lash out, be angry, or fall to pessimism, you need to learn to manage yourself well. You cannot expect other people to manage your emotions. This might be as simple as taking a deep breath.
5. Energy - Leaders set the pace of the room. This, perhaps more than anything else, contributes to the "X-Factor" of a leader. It produces camaraderie and a desire to make decisions. When beginning a meeting, smile and greet people. You cannot allow whatever negative emotions you were feeling prior to entering the room affect how you lead in a group setting.

If you are in a position of leadership, give those you lead permission to give you feedback in each of these areas. Ask people how they perceive you and if your communication style, decisiveness, or energy level are being stumbling blocks to your effectiveness. Ultimately, you are ministering to people and wanting to lead them well. This means we have to understand perception and lead yourself well.