The 5 Factors That Make an Charismatic Leader
Charisma is the ultimate “it” factor. All of the world’s greatest leaders exude what is called Charisma. This aura and mystique that surrounds these enchanting people, is the foundation of successful leadership. So what does it take to be a charismatic leader? Here are five traits commonly found in these “people persons”.
- “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman. The most important characteristic any charismatic leader ever had, was passion. Passion is the fuel of any idea or cause. Those who are most passionate have an uncanny ability to compel others through the pure emotion they exude. Regardless of the nature of their cause, or their intent…Charismatic leaders believe ardently in their visions and do not hold back from sharing their animation with others. Passion is the number one trait that marks any charismatic leader.
- “If you can clearly articulate the dream or the goal, start.” – Simon Sinek. Charismatic leaders have a way with words. Some of the most charismatic leaders in history were great speech writers and even better public speakers. Charismatic leaders have a sensational way of speaking what is on their mind in a refined yet comprehensive manner. Their message can reach plenty, yet they maintain a level of decorum and eloquence. With a heightened assembly of verbiage, the prominence of these figures elevate even more. Charismatic leaders are articulate.
- “Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath.” – Michael Caine. Charismatic leaders have a great ability to stay calm under pressure. This feat adds to their enigmatic means of enchanting the masses. While all hope seems lost and peril is certain, charismatic leaders maintain their resolve. They do not take drastic measures out of fear. They take actions out of cause and effect, still envisioning the dream and goal they had already established. A Charismatic leader keeps it cool, when things get hot. They are the rock that many perch upon when the waters get rough.
- “Never Give Up” – Jim Valvano. Charismatic leaders never give up. They will pursue what drives them at all costs. From this comes a passion and stillness that becomes the driving force for any goal or objective. These few command the course of events, by sheer will and determination. Charismatic leaders can inspire so many by embodying a “Never Give Up, Never Surrender” attitude. When all hope is lost and failure seems certain…Charismatic leaders can re-ignite the spark that will fuel the team to finish what they started and, leave victorious. One of the noblest and most emphatic ways to do this, resilience.
- “A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.” – Wade Boggs. Charismatic leaders are catalysts. They do not wait for things to come to them, they go and get them. This can also provide a great source of motivation for team members and cohorts. A Charismatic leader will passionately articulate their vision and relentlessly pursue them. They will not wait, they just go for it. When they meet adversity, they smile back and develop new strategies to circumvent their troubles. Charismatic leaders are driven and waste no time. Their pure desire is the prime mover in any campaign.
Charismatic leaders are a precious rarity. Their presence can take over an entire room. Charisma is a perfect storm of several ingredients: Passion, Resilience and Drive. A Charismatic leader is all three of these things, while articulating a clear and concise goal.
