We all know leadership charisma when we see it, but understanding its components is a different matter. Sometimes it is hard to define because it can mean so many different things to so many people. Here is one definition I like: “a special quality of leadership that captures the employees’ imagination and inspires allegiance and devotion” (adapted from www.yourdictionary.com).
Harvard Business Review’s June 2012 article on Learning Charisma is a great read and I have quoted it frequently in this post. I think it does an exceptional job of laying out key tactics in detail for anyone feeling the need to develop more presence and charisma. I’ve shared this article with a number of my clients who want to stand up and stand out. Here is an interesting tidbit from the authors’ research: “After executives were trained in these tactics, the leadership ratings observers gave them rose by 60%.” The authors call them CLTs or “charismatic leadership tactics.” Let’s drill down into each tactic to get some ideas for how we all can be more charismatic.
Connect, Compare, and Contrast: “Charismatic speakers help listeners understand, relate to, and remember a message. A powerful way to do this is by using metaphors, similes, and analogies.” I used to work with a master storyteller. Through his anecdotes, you learned and lived what he had been through…some of his toughest lessons were taught to his listeners by comparing and contrasting his foul-ups and foibles with a better way to do things. You remembered and were inspired!
Engage and Distill: Leaders can use rhetorical questions to engage their listeners. “Questions can have an obvious answer or pose a puzzle to be answered later.” The first part is the easy one in this CLT; the tough one is the ability to distill broad topics into simpler and succinct talking points. I struggle with this at times. The authors suggest using a three-part list to break down larger issues. Why three parts? Apparently, people can remember three things, it provides a pattern and it gives the impression of completeness. Give it a shot and see if it works for you. I will be working on it with you.
Show Integrity, Authority and Passion: “Expressions of moral conviction and statements that reflect the sentiments of the group-even when the sentiments are negative-establish your credibility by revealing the quality of your character to your listeners and making them identify and align themselves with you.” This authenticity is essential for the charismatic leader or all their words may fall on deaf ears. Speak from the heart and be sure your nonverbal cues – expressions of voice (tone), body, and face- are all in alignment with your message.
Dive into the full article to get more details. Practice, practice, practice is their final advice. “… CLTs can make you more charismatic in the eyes of your followers, and that will invariably make you a more effective leader.”