One of the first questions that we need to ask ourselves before we can begin to develop and increase our personal impact is ‘what is charisma?’. By asking ourselves this question it becomes immediately clear that it is an attribute that is not only difficult to define, but one that many people believe that you are either born and blessed with, or you’re not. 

Equally we may find that when we really think about it, we might become aware of an element of suspicion and distrust of charismatic leaders. After all if an individual, through the force of his or her personality and rhetoric is able to inspire others to follow a path that might be illogical, ill advised or even dangerous, then surely this individual, left unchecked, would possess the potential to do enormous harm? Look at Hitler, or Mugabe, or (arguably) Tony Blair?

In the same way that the written word can be used to either inspire and promote harmony and understanding, or to peddle hatred, fear, bigotry and intolerance, not even the most paranoid regimes would advocate that we should not be teaching our children to read and write, just in case they use this tool to say something that is not aligned with prescribed beliefs or values. I believe that charisma should be viewed as any other communication or influencing skill, neither good or evil. I am also strongly opposed to the popular view that charisma is a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’  available to just the privileged few who’s genes just happened to express themselves in a particularly fortunate way. I believe that charisma can be learned …. or to be more precise, it can be rediscovered.

The Charisma Model Programme works on the fundamental principle that when we are being authentic and true to ourselves, and when we feel that we are growing, we access an abundance of natural charisma, which over the years many of us have suppressed, denied, and forgotten that we have the ability to express. We have identified The Five Pillars of Charisma that we believe are a pre-requisite to anyone wishing to release and activate their own full charismatic potential. Drawing upon techniques at the very leading edge of leadership development we have, over the last 6 years, designed a framework to enable leaders, managers and high potentials to optimise their own natural charisma by improving performance within these five pillars. 

A development opportunity within each of these pillars is expressed in a number of ways which, when we look at the component parts in isolation, we might not immediately connect with a lack of ‘charisma’. However when an individual is operating in a mindset of growth, with all five pillars in flow and functioning as they should be, we find that this individual will be commonly described as confident, inspiring, engaging ,energising, empowering and ultimately, charismatic. For example:

A Leader with low Self -Esteem                                                                

Will create an environment of fear, and will often display dictatorial and bullying behaviours. Their lack of self confidence will manifest itself in a competitive vs a collaborative attitude, often creating a silo culture within their teams and departments.

A Leader with low Driving Force

Will appear apathetic, lethargic and distracted. They will typically avoid taking ownership of projects and problems, and will create, or tolerate a team environment that is low energy, disengaged and discontent.

A Leader with low Sensory Awareness

Will struggle with engagement  and will particularly alienate creative and amiable types. They will often have been promoted to a leadership position on the back of strong academic or technical achievements, and whilst they may be excellent task managers, they will often appear aloof, unapproachable, and lacking in intuition.

A Leader with a lack of Compelling Vision

Will find it difficult to inspire or engage their teams by painting pictures of a better place, or create an environment of expectation, or a culture of high performance.                                                                                                                                                

A Leader who’s Energy is out of balance                                                              

Will often be stressed and over (or under) emotional. They will appear negative and isolated, and create a working environment where people will be more prone to illness and stress.

Recent global research indicates that half of HR professionals lack confidence in their training programmes for high potentials and emerging leaders. Which is why our techniques focus on these 5 pillars to enable immediate and sustainable positive change in attitudes and consequently behaviours and performance.

When we try to define something as complex as charisma it can be easy to conclude that it is a God given attribute that it is not possible to optimise and develop within ourselves. As with all worthwhile human pursuits however, from Arithmetic to Zen Buddhism, when we break it down, and master it step by step, we find that it really wasn’t that difficult or elusive at all.

“Charismatic Leaders operate in a growth mindset, and create an atmosphere of openness, safety and inspiration which empowers others to grow and perform at their fullest potential”

                                                                                                                                              Nikki Owen, Founder of `The Charisma Model Programme