What is the "It Factor"?
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
In the past the “it factor” might have been defined as someone with je ne sais quoi, or the indefinable something that makes someone special. It was also called the X Factor in some cases, and still may be referred to as such. Most often, it is applied to celebrities or semi-celebrities that seem to radiate charisma and charm.
The “it factor” can apply not only to celebrities but also to politicians, to people seeking work, or to religious leaders. Mother Theresa eschewed the fashionable world and lived a life of privation to serve others. Her appeal had everything to do with the spiritual way in which she lived her life. People would wait for days for audience with her.
When people interview for jobs, a certain confidence can be the “it factor” prospective employers are looking for. Somehow, an interviewee must stand out from the crowd. There are numerous books written on how to apply for, interview for, and land a job.
Most of these books focus on appearing strong but flexible, and moreover establishing a personality that will be remembered in a positive way. Many of the recommendations have to do with making the interviewer feel at ease and comfortable. Basic things like nodding one’s head and smiling can establish an attraction other job candidates do not possess.
Unfortunately the “it factor” can get in the way of judging people on who they really are. There is an old saying that one can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. However, frequently the “it factor” in its most superficial forms is all about transforming the sow’s ear into the silk purse. It is about looks alone, and not about one’s view and contributions to the world. While it may be amusing to watch the parade of folks that have it, society also takes intense pleasure in seeing such idols torn down, as evidenced by the massive interest in the decline and fall of celebrities.
Thus the “it factor” is both elusive and transient. Those who have it today, may lack it tomorrow. It is usually not an adequate measure of the human, and there is no definable yardstick by which to rule such a factor.
Tricia Christensen
Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent PublicPeople contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.
Tricia Christensen
Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent PublicPeople contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.
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![Many people believe that the Dalai Lama has the "it factor.".]()
By: abhikramaMany people believe that the Dalai Lama has the "it factor.". -
![Marilyn Monroe is often said to have possessed a special "it factor" that made her a star.]()
By: 1950sUnlimitedMarilyn Monroe is often said to have possessed a special "it factor" that made her a star. -
![The "it factor" can be used to describe something with special qualities that can't be explained easily.]()
By: raduga21The "it factor" can be used to describe something with special qualities that can't be explained easily. -
![Charismatic, charming people are said to have the "it factor".]()
By: Felix MizioznikovCharismatic, charming people are said to have the "it factor". -
![The "it factor" plays a role in attraction between people.]()
By: vgstudioThe "it factor" plays a role in attraction between people. -
![People who are thought of as having the "it factor" are generally more outgoing.]()
By: WavebreakmediaMicroPeople who are thought of as having the "it factor" are generally more outgoing.
Discussion Comments
I have always consider the "It Factor" as pure confidence and a state of mind. I never fashion myself as that guy that women fall head over heels for but as I have notice with myself as well as others "It's" my confidence that has always defined me. Hope this helps anon16785
Wow, Happy Trails, I'm doing a seminar on Leadership Excellence. I'm using the It Factor as the norm like everyone but you have just shed a different light and the seminar is Saturday! Good job but poor me.
Interesting post, I thought that I might add a word or two that may help define "it". Not everyone has the infamous "it" factor, "it" is different for everyone that has "it". Although it can best be described as presence.
There are commonalities that tend to run along the sexes, for women there tends to be a come hither quality without acting/dressing to evoke such a response. For men it is less definable. I have been told that I have the "it" factor and to the best of my reckoning it is more of a smoothness or suaveness(for me at least). I tend to not be an eloquent speaker, but when I genuinely compliment someone or pay extra or particular attention "it" comes out. I have been told by a good personal friend that whenever I do it to her she cannot often remember what I have said but instead remembers the feeling that my words provoke, and no she is not interested in me in any other way than being just a friend.
For me, the more genuine I am the bigger the "it" factor. However, both sexes do have people that have "it" and the best way of defining "it" I would have to come back to the idea of presence. People that really have the quality of "it", it is usually "on" all the time but it can be ratcheted up or cooled off,(at least by my understanding) it can be manipulated. I cannot do this because I can't manipulate anybody and tend to be somewhat oblivious but for people that can "it" can be a powerful tool for manipulation. Anyway I hope that that helped.
Happy Trails
so is the it factor confidence? or good looks?
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