Written by: Léa Agbo, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
We all know people with incredible charisma, and at least once, we ask ourselves, "how do they do?" Charisma is one of those invisible things we see and feel. It plays an important role in our lives and is both fascinating and impactful at the same time.
Our charisma is rooted in our actions, attitude, and ability to convince and act quickly.
But how do we grow our Charisma? Here are the 5 ways to develop it;
1. Know who you are
Do you know your values? What is your course of action? What are the principles you will never deviate from? Do you have precise and thoughtful opinions while leaving the door open to other ways of thinking?
These questions are important to avoid becoming a sponge that absorbs all ideas and changes its mind all the time. But neither is it to be completely closed to the world, quite the contrary!
Knowing who we imply that we know how to assess situations and arbitrate all our decisions while keeping our values and principles in line. We respect ourselves and that makes us not to waver.
So, even if we are aware that we do not hold "all the truths”, doubting who we are or what we do does not constantly tickle us.
This is also the starting point of a progressive and rewarding mindset. Indeed, to know oneself is to evolve. Undoubtedly, a fair appreciation of ourselves leads us to explore certain specific aspects of our personality and refine or increase our skills. Once the momentum is triggered, going to the next level seems obvious to target.
Know yourself!
2. Learn how to say no and set limits
Knowing how to say no is great quality. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked. As soon as we say NO to what does not suit us, only one thing will come out of it… it will strengthen our aura.
So, start practicing now with your boss, spouse, friends, and family.
This is inseparable from affirming who we are and what we expect from the people we meet. As such, they will respect us all the more. Why? Because human beings like to know who they are dealing with. From that moment, communication and relationships will become much easier. People will know how to approach us. They will know that we go straight to the point and understand that we do not procrastinate.
Thus, we will create undeniable links and real relationships within our ecosystem.
For more charisma, there is no secret: set our limits right away, and we will be perceived as confident, coherent and assertive. This will be one of our greatest strengths.
Note that appearing "inflexible" at first to become softer later is much more appreciated than the opposite. For proof: at the same level of charisma, someone who seems difficult to approach and then becomes friendly will seem much more pleasant or even benevolent than a person who does the opposite.
Affirm yourself!
3. Be reliable and loyal
A charismatic person follows through on their commitments and lives by their principles and beliefs. Therefore, we must stick to our codes and our course of action.
You will agree that being able to count on ourselves is the basis of everything. Not seeing ourselves as potentially failing and not trustworthy allows us to make much more informed and impactful choices.
By extension, being reliable then becomes a simple reflex; as soon as we commit to something, we do it. This is where our ability to promise what is within our reach, in all lucidity, is at stake.
So, you have values: respect them. You have commitments: honour them.
Regarding loyalty, I would also tell you to rely on yourself. Yes, the first person you have to be loyal to is you. Your thought patterns and opinions will guide you in the right direction.
Note, however, that sometimes the behaviours and opinions of people close to you can destabilise you. The solution here is to analyse your circle of influence.
Having a fair and conscious appreciation of those around you will help you keep fulfilment, personal choices, and be loyal.
Be credible and fair!
4. Add contacts
Undoubtedly, people act/react differently depending on the culture. But we know that physical contact brings people together. Since the Covid-19 crisis, things have changed, and I could not deny it. However, it is always possible to show that you are considerate by stepping forward (from a respectable distance, of course), pretending to touch your interlocutor, so that they understand that you have the habit of combining polite, kind and benevolent gestures to your verbal communication.
Obviously, it must be done correctly so that it is not perceived as "too much" or in an ambiguous way. The contact even mimicked must be subtle.
Numerous studies have proven that we react better to requests from people who touch us. Would adding physical contact then influence the perception of people about us? Undeniably. So, as soon as we greet someone, we should think about putting our hand on their arm or shoulder. Similarly, if we want someone to move aside to let us pass, we should put our hand on their upper back or on their shoulder. Thus we trigger sympathy while being affirmed.
Attract sympathy and respect!
5. Be a decision-maker
Let's be clear, the right decisions are the ones we make. Standing still has never been a position to adopt.
Charismatic leaders make decisions quickly while taking responsibility. In this posture, we release an unequivocal charisma. Why? Because we are able to decide and quickly position ourselves. We will, therefore, always be more efficient than a person who does not know how to make up his/her mind.
Practice on yourself first. Make decisions in your personal life. Then extend this to your group of friends to finally apply it to your business.
Be the one who organises, acts, and inspires. In general, sometimes, people do not like to take responsibility that will give them the lead.
If you take such responsibilities, you will then naturally be the charismatic person to whom people refer, listen to and follow.
Dare to decide!
Otherwise…
Having good self-esteem can transform our relationships because it reflects the relationship we have with ourselves.
Treating it makes it possible to multiply actions and good decisions, which will continuously strengthen our aura. The more we take action, the more we will increase our confidence level and improve our self-image.
Apply these five (5) ways to develop your charisma and you will be well-equipped to succeed. Improve your self-esteem and you will turn your dreams into real-life projects.
Léa Agbo, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Léa is an entrepreneur and infopreneur, a certified coach in positive psychology, and a specialist in cross-cultural business. With over 10 years of experience in personal development, her focus is for you to become a better version of yourself.
A wide range of clients, including entrepreneurs, require her services to smoothly optimize their lives and/or business projects, have more confidence and energy to pursue their goals, and build real, constructive, and consistent self-esteem.
She specifically coaches entrepreneurs on the cross-cultural aspects of their businesses and is the author of the ‘Globalisation Programme.’
Léa holds a master’s degree in Strategic Business Management and Entrepreneurship. She is also a Certified Operational Manager. Léa is the Founder of AGBO Business Consulting, a company aiming to challenge you to the next level.