The Charismatic Equation

In last month we started providing a summary of a few of the key charismatic behaviors a leader must master to have a consistent charismatic impact upon his/her people. Earlier this year we introduced new research on Leadership Charisma and the book by the same title and last month we also started a series of Executive Briefings about it.

The first key principle we discussed last month was WIIFM – What’s In It For Me. Essentially that principle states that leaders who are seen to be charismatic in the eyes of their people are those who make it their business to always know precisely what it is that interests and motivates their people. We’ll explore that more in the next few months when we look at some specific charismatic behaviors – for now let’s look at the second key principle: the ‘charismatic equation’.

The charismatic equation is a really very sensible and straight forward principle that explains what gives a person charismatic appeal.

'The extent to which you are perceived as being charismatic is directly proportional to the extent to which people either feel or fare better after each interaction with you'.

In simple terms: if I feel better or do better as a result of spending time with you, then you are charismatic for me. That’s it! Charismatic leaders make it a point to ensure that every interaction with direct reports is focused upon raising the self-esteem, self worth and capabilities of their people.

In future months as we work through the specific behaviors of leadership charisma bear these two principles in mind. You’ll see that they underpin and explain why each and every one of the charismatic leader behaviors is so effective in raising a leader’s charisma.