A bit of charisma can go a long way
There are many leaders in this world, but very few of them are honoured with the badge of a “charismatic personality”. Charismatic leaders exist everywhere — in politics, religion, sports and business. They are able to influence people, draw them like magnets and convert them into ardent followers. Their charisma works like a charm and transforms the society, organisations or lives of people they are representing, for good.
If charisma is so important an individual trait, why doesn’t every leader or business executive possess it? That’s because, charisma is assumed to be inherent in a person. The American spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson defines charisma as, “A sparkle in people that money can’t buy. It’s an invisible energy with visible effects.”
The US President Barack Obama has it. The Dalai Lama has it. The Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has it. So does Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. All these people hail from different backgrounds, have different physical features and are the masters of their subject, but charisma is the most striking similarity that puts them in the same league and sets them apart from peers.
There is another school of thought that believes charisma can be learnt. It can be acquired over a period of time. However, irrespective of the debate whether charisma is inborn or acquired, the three pillars of charisma will remain the same:
Attitude
It is something either people have or don’t. Charismatic executives or leaders are innately driven to complete a task. No matter how challenging or unfavourable the circumstances may be, they thrive on selfconfidence and hardly need any motivation to perform. According to Pareto’s Principle or the 80-20 rule, charismatic executives are among those 20 per cent who contribute to 80 per cent of their organisation’s success.
Ability
Charismatic leaders have the capacity and skills to complete a task. They read, learn and listen to attain knowledge in their subject matter; are willing to practice as long as it may take; and then eventually become the experts to impart their knowledge to others.
Aptitude
Aptitude is a trait that stems from attitude. Charismatic leaders have a natural capacity and capability to complete a task. They have a strong passion and desire to do what they like the most.
It is interesting to note that how charismatic executives or leaders play the symphony of attitude, ability and aptitude to drive their vision and goals.
They take 100 per cent accountability for their actions through attitude and ability.
They replace their bad habits with good ones by the application of ability and aptitude.
They hold their aspiration in high regard and use both attitude and aptitude to achieve it. They know that without any ambition or vision, there is no other way to success.
The intersection of all three — attitude, ability and aptitude — lead to integrity. Their followers trust them and are eager to support them without much ado. It was in the case of the famous freedom fighters, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Their charisma reflected in their honesty and simplicity. Lee Iacocca, the former Chrysler chairman and former Ford president, and one of the most charismatic businessmen of his time, says, “A leader should have charisma. I’m not talking about being flashy. Charisma is the quality that makes people want to follow you. “It’s the ability to inspire. People follow a leader because they trust him”.
It is not expensive suits and shoes that make for charismatic leaders, but their ideology is. Charismatic leaders also inspire their followers through their thoughts, intellect or actions. Apple guru Steve Jobs redefined innovation and an inspiration to many startup entrepreneurs. He had vast knowledge of computers but also the intellect to use his know-how the right way and churn huge profits out of it. Underlying all traits of charismatic leaders or executives is POISE. Their poise demonstrates character, self-control and confidence in every situation, which lifts them above everyone else.
Do you have what it takes to be a charismatic leader?