Meta Groselj is an expert Public Speaking & Inner Influence coach helping people profit by using their voice. Her clients are leaders & experts who want to overcome imposter syndrome anxiety to develop that inner power and confident presence to master any spotlight of business and life.
Among the many attributes that define effective leadership, charisma stands out as a vital quality that can elevate a leader's influence and impact. Charisma is often described as a unique blend of personal magnetism, charm, and presence that enables individuals to attract, influence, and persuade others. But I’d like to add a twist to this definition. Charisma is not about you, it’s about the feeling other people get about themselves when they are in contact with you, or follow you. Charismatic leaders possess an innate ability to make people feel better about themselves, their value, their worth, their skills, and competencies and it is no wonder that charismatic leaders drive engagement through the roof!
Understand the principles of charisma
Yes, some people are lucky enough to have been blessed with charisma, others need to learn, adjust their behavior, practice, and practice and practice. Charisma can be cultivated through conscious effort and practice if you are willing to examine a couple of important ways of thinking, feeling, and doing that need to be in place for people to feel energized, motivated, and inspired in your (or by your) presence. Mostly, it comes down to how you communicate – body, mind, and soul – or as Aristotle would call it – Ethos, Logos, and Pathos!
Confidence
Charismatic leaders exude self-assurance, which instills trust and encourages others to follow their vision. Their confidence often comes from a deep understanding of their field and a strong belief in their ability to deliver results.
Charismatic and confident leaders look for what is positive in every situation. To develop your charisma, look for competence in everyone you meet. Look for the seeds that can grow beautiful flowers instead of pointing toward the mold. Charismatic leaders have a specific way of providing direction and feedback – and I’m not talking about rose-tinted glasses or fake optimism. I’m talking about validation, respect, and discernment delivered with a truly respectful tone of voice, no matter the subject.
Vision
Effective leaders articulate a clear and compelling vision that resonates with their audience. This vision acts as a guiding star, aligning the team's efforts and fostering a shared sense of purpose.
If you want to be a visionary, you have to believe. The belief part of communications is explained by Aristotle as the Ethos – the unshakable conviction with which you deliver your words. A liar believes the lie. The truth of course is way better than a lie, however, as none of us have ever seen the future up close, we can only envision it. Confident we’ll get there, the charismatic leader has already been there. In mind, spirit, and soul – leading towards that dream.
Communication skills
Charismatic leaders are often exceptional communicators. They utilize storytelling, emotional appeal, and persuasive language to engage their audience, making complex ideas accessible and relatable.
About a decade ago, I started learning public speaking skills myself, and this did wonders for me as a leader. Today I teach persuasive speaking skills to leaders all around the world and the vision driving me is a deep understanding of how better all our lives are when we thrive – engaged and motivated. That anything is possible mindset. That get-up-and-go attitude. If only all leaders could be wizards of charisma, and this is why I love teaching...
Persuasion - skills linked to understanding how people's thinking processes work – if you want to be charismatic as a leader you need to know how to lead other people's thinking process.
Storytelling - is about reading other people's emotional state – depresses or motivated? Where do you want them to be? What do you want them to feel? To affect their state, you must first know how to read their emotional state.
Speaking - understanding the meaning behind communication, what you are saying, and what people interpret – not just with your voice, but also with your body. Speaking is not so much a skill, it's more the tool you are skillful with. The tool of persuasion, the tool of storytelling, the tool of influence, it is the tool of leadership, and the tool of engagement.
Empathy
Understanding the needs, concerns, and motivations of team members is critical for building rapport. Charismatic leaders show genuine care for their followers, which strengthens loyalty and commitment.
Empathy to me is not just about sensibility, it’s more about observation. Are you observant of other people and what they are communicating with their body, through language, through actions? It's not helpful at all to complain “Oh dear, the times are changing, people used to work hard, now this…” I just shrug when I hear leaders talk about people's behavior in ways that demonstrate a lack of awareness of motivational drivers and the effect triggering a driver can produce. Genuine interest in other people can help you find that spark that you need to ignite to get the car moving, speaking metaphorically. Charisma requires a deeply profound interest in people, as well as a lot of understanding as to what makes them tick. Some people can read others, need to learn how to read. Engagement is about interests, interests are about motivation, motivation is about drivers, and drivers are about human needs. And needs are about point no.5 – authenticity.
Authenticity
Charisma is most powerful when it is genuine. Leaders who are true to their values resonate more profoundly with others, they inspire trust and admiration. If you want to be authentic, you must know yourself. And knowing yourself directly translates into hearing yourself. Your needs and wants. Also your fears and desires. Your weak points and your potential.
You know who you are and you fully accept both light and shadow self. When your self-worth and self-esteem are intact, you will find it much easier to see and accept others fully. Those rose-tinted glasses where you see potential everywhere, where value is recognized and celebrated, where failure is a learning curve, where respect is part of your daily hygiene, that – my dear reader – is leadership charisma!
Attitude
Lastly, charisma is about the attitude you show up in the world. I have met many charismatic leaders, managers, and CEOs and I have to say, the level of interest they have shown in a young ambitious intern I once was. It was like I was transparent, with them I became a rainbow of color! I remember them asking questions, briefly… then deciding to share a tip or two, offering their support... just a minute or two of contact and swish... they were on their way. Many of them I never again encountered, but I wanted to make them proud. In my young ambitious mind, I thought “If they see this in me, then it must be there. I have to work hard to get it out!”
Keep in mind the impact of charismatic leadership
Having experienced dictatorship and a laissez-faire leadership style, charisma is found in the interception of the two, where you get to have other people follow your mission as if it is their own. Charismatic leaders will draw out creativity, innovativeness, and the willingness to go the extra mile with as much as a single piercing eye contact, a smile, and a handshake.
Charismatic leadership can have a significant impact on organizations and teams:
Increased motivation
Charismatic leaders naturally inspire and motivate their teams, often leading to higher levels of engagement and productivity. Their enthusiasm is contagious, fostering a positive organizational culture.
Enhanced team cohesion
Charisma promotes strong interpersonal relationships within teams. When leaders connect on an emotional level, it fosters collaboration and a sense of belonging among team members.
Influence and persuasion
Charismatic leaders are often skilled at persuading stakeholders, securing buy-in for initiatives, and driving change. Their ability to articulate a vision can rally support in times of uncertainty.
Conflict resolution
In times of conflict, a charismatic leader can be a stabilizing force, using their communication skills and empathy to mediate disputes and restore harmony within the team.
Beware of the dark side of charisma
While charismatic leadership can yield tremendous benefits, it is essential to acknowledge its potential downsides. Charismatic leaders might overshadow other voices, leading to groupthink or dependence on the leader's vision. Furthermore, if charisma becomes narcissism, it can result in exploitation and unethical behavior. Balance is crucial; effective leaders should empower others and encourage diverse perspectives while leveraging their charisma.
As I stated earlier, charisma is not about you – it’s about other people and the bigger picture. Healthy and humble ways of charismatic leadership often help leaders step down from overwork, and allow others to enjoy the spotlight!
Tips for cultivating charisma as a leader
For those seeking to enhance their leadership charisma, here are several actionable strategies:
Develop self-awareness: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and how you are perceived by others. Seek feedback and be open to constructive criticism.
Practice effective communication: Work on storytelling techniques, active listening, and delivering messages with clarity and passion.
Express genuine interest: Show empathy by actively engaging with team members. Ask about their goals, challenges, and aspirations, and demonstrate that you value their input.
Cultivate confidence: Build confidence through knowledge and preparation. Set achievable goals and celebrate small victories to reinforce a positive self-image.
Be authentic: Embrace your unique personality and values. Authenticity fosters trust, and people are more likely to follow a leader who is genuine and relatable.
Conclusion
Leadership charisma is a powerful tool that can create profound impacts on organizational culture and performance. By understanding its components and cultivating your charismatic qualities, you can inspire and motivate your teams and also foster a collaborative environment that encourages growth and innovation. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, charismatic leadership remains a pivotal element in achieving success and making a lasting difference. It is a world-changing leadership style and that’s why I love promoting it as well as teaching and coaching leaders the charismatic way!
Meta Groselj, Public Speaking & Inner Influence Coach
Meta Groselj is an expert Public Speaking & Inner Influence coach helping people profit by using their voice. Her clients are leaders & experts who want to overcome imposter syndrome anxiety to develop that inner power and confident presence to master any spotlight of business and life. She is also a master Storyteller & Art of Persuasion specialist, helping entrepreneurs and founders create impactfull decision-making presentations that "sell" from the stage and generate measurable business results. She calls her clients Future Voices as she is on a mission to shape up the voices of leaders changing the world.
