Do you know how to become a charismatic leader? Or, are you one already? I came across an article yesterday that discusses how to become a leader that others listen to. I believe that you’re not charismatic until the audience puts aside their texting and tweeting to listen to you. Now, that’s a feat!
The author mentions humor and the importance of being authentic, which I’ve discussed in previous blogs. But, one part of the article I thought was particularly interesting was the focus on “practicing being charismatic.”
I’m not quite sure how you practice being charismatic, but one way you can learn to become more charismatic is through stand-up comedy training. It will teach you how to think on your feet, how to engage audiences more effectively and how to tell a good story.
Years ago, I had the pleasure of working a few times with a particular CEO. He was close to having Steve Jobs’s level of charisma. He was amazing on stage. He never read a teleprompter. He told stories and had audiences hanging on every word.
One of the things I noticed about him offstage was that he genuinely cared about everyone and took the time to talk to anyone, even a janitor who once shared an elevator with us for a few floors. Everyone to him mattered. Everyone was equal. Every person was worth taking time out for. His charisma was the same offstage because he was truly authentic.
I don’t know if this particular CEO ever had stand-up comedy training. But, I do know that he was extremely charismatic and completely authentic. By contrast, I once had a boss who was completely the opposite. He was anything but authentic, but he believed he was charismatic. Unfortunately, everyone else believed the opposite.
Charisma is an amazing quality that few people have. While I do believe that most charisma is innate, it is possible to learn how to be more charismatic via stand-up comedy training. Maybe your audience will even stop texting for a few minutes.
Do you consider yourself a charismatic leader? If so, did you ever have to “practice?”
