Charisma – The Invisible Power That Gives You The Edge
Most people think of charisma as something mystical, almost undefinable. They think it’s a quality that comes at birth or not at all. But that’s not true.
Charisma plainly stated, is the ability to draw people near you. And like any other traits, it can be developed.
To make yourself the kind of person who attracts others, you need to personify these pointers:
1. Love Life
People enjoy leaders who enjoy life. Think of people you want to spend time with. How would you describe them? Grumpy? Bitter? Depressed? Of course not. They’re celebrators, not complainers. They’re passionate about life. If you want to attract people, you need to be like the people you enjoy being with.
2. Put a “10″ on Every Person’s Head
One of the best things you can do for people which also attracts them to you is to expect the best of them. I call it putting a “10″ on everyone’s head. It helps others think more highly of themselves, and at the same time, it also helps you. If you appreciate others, encourage them, and help them reach their potential, they will love you for it.
3. Give People Hope
French General Napoleon Bonaparte characterized leaders as “dealers in hope.” Like all great leaders, he knew that hope is the greatest of all possessions. If you can be the person who bestows that gift on others, they will be attracted to you, and they will be forever grateful.
4. Share Yourself
People love leaders who share themselves and their life journeys. As you lead people, give of yourself. Share wisdom, resources, and even special occasions.
When it comes to charisma, the bottom line is otherminded-ness. Leader who think about others and their concerns before thinking of themselves exhibit charisma.
Now, to improve your charisma, do the following:
1. Change your Focus. Observe your interaction with people during the next few years. As you talk to others, determine how much of your conversation is concentrated on yourself. Determine to tip the balance in favor of focusing on others.
2. Play the first impression game. Try an experiment. The next time you meet someone for the first time, try your best to make good impression. Learn the person’s name. Focus on his interests. Be positive. And most important, treat him as a “10″. If you can do this for a day, you can do this everyday. And it will increase your charisma overnight.
3. Share yourself. Make it your long term goal to share your resources with others. Think about how you can add value to five people in your life this year. They can be family members, colleagues, employees, or friends. Provide resources to help them grow personally and professionally, and share your personal journey with them.
You illustrated fundamental “How to…” ways individuals may become more charismatic, which may entail a certain level of confidence. Research also suggests a little known fact about charisma. Contrary to popular belief, insecurity can serve as a backdrop for charismatic personalities and their accomplishments. It may seem that charisma and insecurity fused together would be an oxymoron, but there are many instances where charisma is not founded purely on confidence, but to some degree–insecurity. Take for example, the charisma of John F. Kennedy. While Kennedy’s charm and charisma is legendary, the history that lies behind JFK’s charisma is often overshadowed by the mythology that surrounds him. Suffice to say that JFK was not initially the “go to” person within the Kennedy Clan. As a matter of fact, Kennedy was seen as wayward and unfocused. It wasn’t until his brother’s death in World War II that John F. Kennedy began taking a more serious and disciplined approach to life. JFK began developing the character that immortalized him once he was handed the baton by his father, Joseph Kennedy, Sr. The same is true with Basketball Great, Michael Jordan, whose being dismissed from his high school basketball team, has become basketball history. There are countless examples of charismatic men and women who early on did not show overt signs of charisma and its accompanied achievement. In fact, evidence suggests that it was these early experiences with disappointment that fed their insecurity, which sparked their reinventing themselves.
Edward Brown
Core Edge Image & Charisma Institute
http://www.core-edge.com
Hi Edward,
I agree with you on JKF and MJ that they surfaced after early dissapointing experiences in their younger ages. In my opinion though, if they manage to reinvent themselves, it’s about their adversity and their strong character which I believe played a great role in it, but does not mean that charisma would come along.
To my definition, charisma is a result of what we’re doing/showing towards outside in consistent way. It’s like building character, but the main difference is that charisma is the kind of power that attract others to us.
Nevertheless, I thank you for your input and has taken it into my consideration.