Hey there,
So, I was chatting with a friend the other day, and they hit me with this idea:
today’s purpose-driven leaders need to be ... charismatic
Yep, charismatic!
At first, I thought, Is that a fancy way of saying we have to be people’s safety superheroes now?
But it got me thinking.
Is technical know-how alone not enough anymore?
Do we really need to be charming, magnetic, and maybe even a little … fun?
That sent me down the rabbit hole of what it actually means to be charismatic in our world. Apparently, charisma isn’t just about slick one-liners or stealing the spotlight. It’s something much simpler:
the ability to make people want to listen.
And not just listen but be genuinely engaged and maybe even inspired. If you ask me, I’d say charisma is that mysterious extra sprinkle on top - like the final bit of whipped cream on your favorite hot chocolate (if you know, you know).
Anyway, it’s funny to think about because most of us didn’t exactly sign up for safety with a minor in How to Win Friends and Influence People, right? But here we are! It turns out that today, leaders with purpose need to bring a little more zest into the mix.
So, How Do We Add Charisma to Our Leadership?
If the idea of “being charismatic” feels like something you need a magic wand for, you’re not alone! Here are some no-pressure, fun ways to add a touch of charisma to your day-to-day interactions:
- Get Curious, Not Just Knowledgeable: It’s easy to be the person with all the answers, but it’s way more interesting to be the one with all the questions. Take a genuine interest in the people around you. Ask questions that go beyond the surface, like, “What’s one surprising thing about your job that no one would guess?”
- Be Present Like You Mean It: You know that friend who makes you feel like you’re the only person in the room? Aim to be that friend (but without the pressure). Put down the phone, make eye contact, and just listen. Even a short conversation can feel like a connection that counts.
- Share Your ‘Why’ with a Bit of Flair: People are drawn to leaders who are open about why they do what they do. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some enthusiasm when talking about your work, even if it feels a bit cheesy at first. Your passion is contagious, trust me.
- Laugh (Especially at Yourself): Charisma isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being human. Share a little story where things didn’t go as planned. A bit of humor not only makes you relatable but also lightens the mood for everyone around.
- Get Playfully Persistent: People admire leaders who stick to their principles and do it with a smile. So when you’re committed to safety, keep that upbeat vibe, even if others seem skeptical. Sometimes charisma is just optimism with a healthy dose of persistence.
Resources for the Charisma Curious
If you want to dive into the charisma pool head-first, there are some pretty cool books that bring this all to life. Olivia Fox Cabane’s The Charisma Myth suggests that charisma combines presence, power, and warmth. Check it out here. Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last also digs into the softer side of leadership and how empathy can make us truly influential. Link here.
Or if you’re in the mood for a quick video hit, check out the Charisma on Command channel on YouTube. They have fun tips on everything from public speaking to body language that can help you connect without having to become a whole new person.
Ready to Bring a Little Extra Spark to Your Leadership?
Whether it’s through curiosity, presence, or a dash of humor, building charisma can open doors to a new level of leadership. So, here’s my challenge for you this week: pick one of the tips above and try it out with your team or colleagues. Notice the response you get and let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear your experiences!
And if you’re looking to dive even deeper, here are a few ways I can help you get there:
🔹 1:1 Coaching:
If you're ready for real transformation, my coaching program is here to help you break through your limitations and create a career you’re genuinely proud of. Schedule a discovery call.
🔹 Design Your Brilliant Future:
This program is for the bold ones ready to define and chase their vision. It’s not just about career planning but about reshaping your professional trajectory with purpose and intention. Join here.
🔹 Speaking and Workshop Facilitation:
Are you looking for a keynote or someone to facilitate your workshop? Hit me up, and we can chat. Some workshop ideas include storytelling for purpose-driven leaders, overcoming imposter syndrome, and becoming a more confident and influential leader.
Keep leading with personality,
Megan