Looking up dictionary definitions of X Factor I found that it’s:

  1. 
a noteworthy special talent or quality.”there are plenty of luxury cars around, but the S-Type has that special X factor”
  2. 

a variable in a given situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome. “the young vote may turn out to be the X Factor”

So, having the X Factor doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll end up singing in front of Simon Cowell – though, don’t let me stop you from trying – but I think we all have, and can develop, something unique that adds value wherever  we are and whoever we’re with.

I facilitate equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) workshops from time to time and they’re very thought-provoking, generating much discussion about some big issues, but always come to the conclusion that we’re all different and that’s not a bad thing.

A group of people who have learned to get on well and enjoy each other’s company are not clones, they celebrate each other’s unique contribution to the whole. We might say of someone: “it isn’t the same without you” or “whenever you’re around you help us see the funny side of life”. Those people whose idiosyncrasies annoy us usually have redeeming qualities if we’re willing to look hard enough for them. How boring it would be if we were all the same.

Let’s celebrate everyone’s uniqueness and find the X Factor in ourselves and others! Our interpersonal skills will certainly improve if we do.