Based on research from The Activator Advantage, high performers share one thing in common: they act before they’re asked.
7 Ways to Leverage the Activator Advantage:
#1. Choose Self-Determination Over Circumstance
Activators believe their fate is in their hands. Don’t wait for ideal conditions. Success is earned, not inherited.
Focus on useful actions, not perfect results.
#2. Create Value Before It’s Requested
Offer insights before being asked. Define leadership as creating opportunity, not just solving problems.
“Activators lead with insight, not reaction.”—The Activator Advantage
- How could we build on what’s working?
- We could…
- What if…
3. Build and Leverage Relationships
Leaders are connectors.
- Share resources.
- Support collaboration.
- Open doors for others.
4. Make Development a Rhythm, Not a Rescue
An Activator doesn’t wait for a crisis to invest in people. Treat development as a responsibility, not a reaction.
- Ask one coaching question in one-on-ones.
- Debrief meetings by asking, “What did we learn?”
- Promote people who develop others.
5. Think Behavior, Not Just Personality
Leadership potential grows in mindset and habits, not fixed traits. Activators develop:
- Other-focus.
- Resilience.
- Initiative.
- Growth mindset.
6. Train for Culture, Not Just Skill
A competent jerk-hole still wreaks havoc.
Define culture as the way we treat each other while we work. Reinforce the way people work, not just what gets done.
Define culture in behavioral terms. For example…
- We follow up within 24 hours.
- We give feedback in the moment.
- We bring up tough issues early.
Model and practice behaviors that express your values. Pay attention to mindset and tone. Debrief how work was done, not just what was done.
7. Turn Setbacks into Relationship Builders
Activators offer value—even when things go wrong. Leaders who show up in tough times earn deep trust and long-term opportunity.
How would you spot an Activator mindset?
4 Ways to Lead Taking-Action Meetings
This post is inspired by The Activator Advantage: What Today’s Rainmakers Do Differently. (Matthew Dixon, Rory Channe, Karen Freeman, and Ted McKenna authors) The book takes a research-based approach to uncover the skills of top performers in the professional services sector. I adapted some principles in the book for broader application.
