“Charisma is the gift from above where a Leader knows from inside himself what to do”.
Max Weber
What do Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, and Steve Jobs have in common? All three are undisputed leaders, recognized and followed for their ideas. And for this, they possess a formidable quality. A quality that many would like to possess… Charisma!
Clearly, not all of us are born with the qualities of an inspiring personality, so can we learn to become charismatic? Charismatic originates from the Greek word « Kharisma, » which means favor or gift freely given. Charismatic individuals are positive leaders who build and nurture excellent relationships, connect people who do not know each other, have a positive impact, and make those around them feel good. It’s fair to say that they give off a lot of positive energy, which makes them very attractive!
I’ve been fortunate to frequently meet inspiring and charismatic individuals during my coaching experiences, and I’d like to share with you the main characteristics I’ve observed in them.
By embodying trust and managing their emotions, the charismatic leader exudes confidence in their judgment and abilities. This, in turn, attracts and inspires others, encouraging behavior through their own exemplary actions. To convey a sense of self-assuredness, the leader knows how to align their verbal and nonverbal communication. They radiate physically through their posture, smile, and gestures. They create a strong sense of intimacy by making others feel fully engaged in the ongoing relationship or conversation. Lastly, they can deliver clear, positively formulated messages, even on complex topics. It’s the combination of all these elements that gives them a strong self-confidence and makes their delivered messages appear very assured!
A charismatic leader is willing to tread the path of innovation, exemplified perfectly by Elon Musk. He consistently ventures off the beaten track, takes risks, and sells us a future that inspires us! Closer to home, Emmanuel Faber is one of the pioneers in France who dared to communicate in a very personal and creative way about his relationship with his brother, particularly to HEC students.
Presenting a vision of a better future, often incorporating technology, is crucial for enhancing charisma. Being firmly focused on the future and solutions to enhance it, offering solutions to the world’s strategic issues, and communicating a clear and inspiring vision for others is undeniably decisive.
Demonstrating the determination to achieve one’s goals, inspiring followers through ethics, exemplary behavior, and vision are key resources for rallying teams and making employees more fulfilled, committed, and productive.
Mastery in the art of communication, the charismatic leader unites and positively influences their teams. They can simplify and make complex subjects accessible.
In summary, developing charisma is achievable for everyone, whether introverted like Barack Obama or extroverted like Tony Robbins. All you need to do is engage in continuous learning, such as being fully present with your interlocutors.
So, which area will be the focus of your next development step?
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