Charisma

Posted on March 21, 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

"Charisma matters more than it used to; when you had command-and-control environments, everyone knew his role and executed his bos's program. Today, if you're not able to galvanize people into action, all the thinking, the analysis, the strategic prioritizing doesn't matter at all." - Sears CEO Arthur Martinez.

There are some leaders who just seem to have it… to have charisma, or the ability to attract others to their cause.

In my opinion, I find Tony Blair articulate, inspirational, poised, authoritative, and influential. From what I understand of former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, he was a walking magnet who attracted people to himself and his cause… Other leaders who come to my mind are (were) Jesus Christ, Ronald Reagan, Billy Graham, Martin Luther King, George Patton, Steve Jobs, Gandhi, Pope John Paul, Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Mother Teresa.

It is a fact that charismatic leaders influence more people, make more sales, are asked to serve on committees, are promoted quicker, invited to give more speeches… than mundane leaders. Being charismatic is part of being an effective leader, especially when the key functions of a particular leader are quite public in nature (government, ministry, head coach…)

** Max Depree wrote “Leadership is an art” and is the result of acquired skills. We can enhance our charisma, or attractiveness to others – and here are some practical steps to help you do that:

1) Look and listen to yourself – Record your public speaking. Practice in a mirror or video tape yourself and study yourself speaking. This is the best way to deal with public speaking blind spots.

2) Get out of your comfort zone – Practice being more charismatic with complete strangers – with people who do not have a clue to who you are, and then observe their reaction.

3) Expand your intellectual horizons and vocabulary – by having an advanced awareness of the world around you, you become more interesting to people. Keep up with current affairs so you can meaningfully contribute to conversations.

4) Take the time to make others feel important – Charismatic leaders make time for others. One of the best ways to do this is to practice good listening skills. People love to be listened to – and love the listener.

5) Exert your energies towards solutions and positive remarks – That is what charisma is all about.

6) Become a comfortable public speaker – Doing so will enhance your ability to influence others, share ideas, entertain, welcome, inform, and inspire others in both formal and informal settings.

7) Raise your personal standard of appearance – Watch your personal dress code and hygiene.

8) Desire to be the role model who others want to emulate – People are tired of phonies. Charisma that is coupled with a strong character goes a long way.