In a recent blog, I suggested that noticing your successes and strengths using the S-Factor releases your confidence and creativity. This is a useful way to boost thinking in your teams too, meeting 1;1 or with the whole team.
The S-Factor at work
Start meetings with the S-Factor. Just ask the team:
- What’s gone well this week, at work or at home?
Each person comes up with one thing, personal or work-based. It doesn’t have to be a huge win. Doesn’t have to be work-related. You can start it off e.g.:
“My daughter took her first step yesterday!”
Use the same question or vary it for each meeting
People don’t seem to mind the same question because the answers are different.
For a change, you can ask:
- What is one of your strengths? Or
- What strengths do we have as a team? Or
- What are our strengths as a company?
Why do this S-Factor thing?
Many reasons. Here are just a few:
- Because when you remember this positive experience, you feel good, more confident, happier and your brain is more creative.
- Because hearing other people’s good moments creates a happy buzz too.
- Because you learn more about what your colleagues have been doing or feel good about.
- Because you can congratulate them.
- Because you smile and see others smiling.
It’s neuroscience, not “touchy feely”
It’s not just a “feel good” exercise. Feeling good makes you think good too. We are more creative and more collaborative when there is oxytocin in our systems. Neuroscience research backs this up. Oxytocin is generated in our brains by this type of listening to connect activity, where we open up to others and listen without judging.
Alison Haill of Oxford Professional Consulting has over 30 years’ experience in helping clients narrow the gap between performance and potential, so you create great teams, influence others and transform how you lead within the organisation. To discuss your needs or find out more, you can contact Alison Haill at alison.haill@opcOxford.com, by phone on 01865 436791, or click here
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