Why some people rise faster, and how to spot them
Why some people rise faster, and how to spot them
This article was originally published March 2019.
In every organisation, there’s a question that keeps coming up:
Why do some people progress faster than others?
It’s tempting to think it comes down to intelligence, experience, or technical skill. While those things matter, they don’t fully explain why some people seem to thrive in new challenges, while others stall.
In today’s fast-changing world of work, where AI is transforming roles and business models, we need to look deeper. It’s not just about performance in the current role. It’s about potential and whether someone has the capacity to lead through change.
This is where the idea of the ‘X-factor’ comes in.
What is the X-factor?
The concept comes from research by the Center for Creative Leadership and Lominger, who studied what makes some leaders stand out.
X-factor traits aren’t about academic results or years of experience. They’re about adaptability, curiosity, and emotional intelligence.
In practice, people with X-factor traits tend to:
- Ask questions, even when it’s uncomfortable
- Observe what’s going on around them
- Draw connections between ideas and patterns
- Take feedback seriously and use it to grow.
These people often do well in ambiguous, fast-changing environments. They’re not just capable—they’re wired to grow.
The five X-factor traits
Here’s a simple way to spot them:
- Mirroring - They seek feedback, reflect on their impact, and want to improve
- Intellect - They’re curious and love solving complex problems
- Connector - They understand people and build strong relationships
- Nudger - They keep improving things, even when it’s hard
- Deliverer - They perform under pressure and build strong teams
No one is brilliant at all five, but people who progress quickly tend to have strengths across several of these areas.
They may challenge the status quo. They might not tick every traditional box. But they’re often the ones best equipped to lead into the unknown.
Performance vs. potential: A common trap
One of the biggest mistakes we make in talent decisions is confusing high performance with high potential.
It’s easy to reward the people who are great at their current jobs, but that doesn’t always mean they’re ready to lead others or take on new and complex challenges.
Potential is different. It’s about agility, resilience, and the ability to grow with the business. That’s what we need more of, especially in an AI-influenced world where change is constant.
What does good HR look like now?
If we want to find and grow future leaders, our HR practices and operating model need to support that.
Too often, HR teams are stuck in process or firefighting, but this is a chance to shift focus towards what really matters for the future of the business.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
1. Use insight to guide decisions
AI and data tools can help us spot patterns, predict leadership needs, and identify talent early. HR should be using these insights to drive action—not just reporting.
2. Focus where it counts
Not all roles are equally critical. Not all talent needs the same support. Build targeted strategies for the areas and people who will shape your future.
3. Connect development to real work
Stretch assignments, mentoring and cross-functional projects develop leaders faster than courses alone. Create pathways that reflect how people really grow.
4. Back your people leaders
HR can’t own talent alone. Equip managers with simple tools and clear frameworks to have better conversations about growth, feedback and future potential.
Beyond performance
Some people progress faster because they’re better prepared to lead in uncertainty.
They’re curious. Adaptable. Willing to step into the unknown.
It’s time to stop thinking only about current performance and start focusing on potential. Because that’s what your business needs next.
If you're ready to identify and nurture the potential within your team, our people advisory team is here to help. Contact us today and let's work together to build the future-ready leaders your business needs.
