Eureka! Eight years ago I coined the term The S-Factor. I even wrote a book with that as the title*. And now it’s more relevant and front-of-mind than ever.
What is The S-Factor
The S stands for successes and strengths and the S-Factor credo is that we need to spend time focusing on our strengths and successes because of the results we engender. A short time spent with this focus, say 10-30 minutes, brings positive feelings which in turn inspire us to think more creatively, innovate, feel enthusiasm and grow personally and professionally – and be more successful. Leaders and managers must learn to spend time on the S-Factor and not just home in on challenges, issues, problems.
Neuroscience proves it
Nowadays neuroscientists are able to validate this.
Using fMRI scans has shown that positive hormones are released when we are praised at work, when we feel the praise is genuine. The hormones, whether oxytocin, endorphins or dopamine, encourage a feeling of well-being that allows us to embark with confidence on our work, using new thinking and creativity, taking risks.**
If we learn to do this for ourselves, we can activate those positive results at will.
And today
Today I read this in someone else’s newsletter (John Newland) referring to the value (or not) of making New Year Resolutions:
“If we value ourselves, we can plant new behaviour in rich soil. There may be droughts or floods, yet if the soil is good, there is every chance of success. If however the latest resolution is just another manifestation of negative self-judgement, we are planting it in poor bogland.”
Don’t make new year resolutions from a place of self-criticism, he says, because when you fail to live up to the plan, you’ll feel even worse.
Plan to succeed by starting with valuing yourself.
How?
Here’s a quick exercise using the S-Factor to encourage positive growth.
Take 10 minutes to focus on the S-Factor in your life. Complete both 1 and 2 below. Only then, make your plans and goals for change.
1. S for Strengths:
Think of 3-5 things you are good at. What would your best friend say are your strengths? What would your mother say are your strengths?
2. S for Successes… Big, small or tiny, they all count:
- What has worked recently?
- What has gone well in your life in the last week?
- List all you’ve completed or progressed today.
* “The S-Factor: A coaching handbook” essential principles and practical ideas for coaching in the workplace. By Alison Haill
** “Conversational Intelligence”. By Judith E Glaser
Contact Alison Haill to discuss your communication challenges and aspirations. Alison is an expert in helping successful professionals transform their impact, influence and leadership in business and work.
Oxford Professional Consulting is Oxford’s leadership communication consultancy, specialists in working with leaders, senior managers and professionals who work in the UK and globally.
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