As a lifelong ‘True Blue’ Chelsea fan, I couldn’t really write a blog about charisma this week  – the start of the new football season – without referencing the return of “The Special One” to Stamford Bridge, the place he refers to as ‘my stadium” and “my home”. 

Jose Mourinho is one of those extraordinary personalities that are able to transcend legendary status within the narrow confines of their chosen field of endeavour, and establish themselves as internationally recognisable charismatic icons on the global stage. Over the years many of our most loved (and loathed) sportsmen and women have been elevated to this level of iconic status, and it is clear that top performing sportsmen help to sell more product  – the recent set of ads for Virgin Media featuring Richard Branson alongside Usain Bolt was as close to charisma overload as I’ve witnessed for quite some time!

It seems to me, however, that there have been very few sports coaches and managers that have been able to achieve that same level of instant recognition, and even fewer are seen to possess the necessary gravitas and presence to be recognised as somebody that leaders in business can aspire to, or indeed learn too much from. Over recent years advertising companies working for serious grown-up brands like Barclays (in the famous grey overcoat), Samsung, and American Express (“my life is all about keeping one step ahead”) have all been eager to capitalise on the calm, confident and in control aura that the self- appointed “Special One” evokes.

So what is it exactly that makes Jose Mourinho such a compelling and powerful role model for anybody wishing to develop themselves, both in terms of their personal charismatic presence, and at the same time their overall effectiveness as a leader? To answer this question I believe we simply need to understand what it is that Mourinho does in terms of the five pillars of charisma, as defined within The Charisma Model Programme, these being:

1.    Self Esteem

2.    Sensory Awareness

3.    Compelling Vision

4.    Driving Force

5.    Balanced Energy

In terms of Self Esteem, charismatic leaders don’t waste time and energy trying to be perfect – they are authentic, comfortable in their own skin and know who they are. They understand that before any of us can hope to win the respect, acceptance and approval of others, we must first learn to accept and approve of ourselves.

Charismatic Leaders also possess high levels of Sensory Awareness. They are highly tuned in to the mood and emotion of the group, and have an ability to sense exactly the right thing to say -at the right time- to move individuals, and teams, from a mood of pessimism to one of hope.

Charismatic leaders articulate a clear, uncluttered Compelling Vision of their desired outcome, along with a highly developed ability to create both a compelling vision of ‘the better place’ for their followers, as well as a strong understanding of collective responsibility and achievement. Jose Mourinho is able to convey a feeling of unshakeable belief in the assured success of a project or venture, which in turn builds confidence and creates a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Mourinho, in common with the real iconic Charismatic Leaders throughout history, possesses  a strong dynamic Driving Force. Famously he has huge reserves of focus, determination and a powerful, striving energy, and is never been afraid to lead from the front, and take unpopular decisions  if ‘the cause’ demands it.

Finally, in terms of Energy, charismatic leaders instinctively understand that to truly persuade or inspire their followers to action they will need to win hearts as well as minds. They have harnessed the power of emotions, recognise the importance of storytelling, and know that to be truly compelling as an orator, the way that they deliver their words are, very often, far more important than the words themselves. Charismatic leaders are authentic. We connect with their energy because we instinctively pick up on subtle non-verbal clues that resonate deeply within us when we are in the presence of somebody who is totally emotionally committed to their message or cause.

“I am Jose Mourinho and I don’t change.I arrive with all my qualities and my defects”.