Charisma…what is that anyway? According to Van Dale, it is a word of Greek origin that stands for a supernatural gift, (irrational) personal attraction and appearance. The latter in particular evokes recognition. Charisma creates attraction. And that can sometimes be irrational, both in a positive and negative sense. Do we have enough leaders with charisma in the Netherlands? For example in politics and business. And if not, why would we need it? We have more than enough managers, everyone agrees. But managing and leadership are not the same. Do you have what it takes to be or become a charismatic leader, and can that be learned?

What characterizes a charismatic person?

Sociologist Max Weber calls charisma an 'exceptional form of leadership'. Someone who can provide an exceptional form of dominance over others. Such people are rare, even in the current Dutch political landscape and business community. Do you know Dutch examples? Politically, Wilders comes close, although he has not yet proven charismatic enough to really gain power. In our business community, a person like Pieter Zwart from Coolblue comes a long way, with his open, humorous way of acting in the media.

Charismatic leadership can have an enormously positive effect on the results and culture within your organization. However, it can also be dangerous, especially from a political point of view, as evidenced by the rise of dictators such as Mussolini, Hitler and the various African 'war lords'. But what characterizes a charismatic leader?

First, he or she has developed the talent to perfectly sense the feelings of others. A mighty weapon of course! And by sensing those feelings, a charismatic leader is also perfectly able to build on them and unleash new feelings of unity among the general public. But what perhaps best characterizes a charismatic leader is the ability to implement a vision and stick to it without being influenced. This often results in 'copycat' behavior, in a positive but unfortunately sometimes negative sense.

Skill or gift?

Is charisma innate or can you learn it? Professor Richard Wiseman is convinced of the fact that approximately 50% of charisma is innate and the other 50% can be learned. In short, charisma can certainly be trained.

One of the best examples of a charismatic leader during the recent period in our history is of course Nelson Mandela. Through a combination of the right timing and charisma, he was able to become an icon. However, Mandela is also the ultimate proof that charisma can be trained. From his youth he was taught the art of leadership by a leader (chief) of the Thembu, a people in the east of South Africa, where Mandela grew up.

How do you train charisma?

You too have what it takes to become a charismatic leader for your organization. We have listed four lessons that can help you learn or strengthen your charismatic ability.

1. Body position

An open posture is crucial to convince people. Openness ensures attention and trust.

2. Presenting

Charismatic leaders are often very successful in presenting. Think of the famous speeches of Obama and Martin Luther King. But people such as Hitler also mastered the art of presentation down to the last detail. So develop your presentation skills.

3. Communication skills

A charismatic leader has very good communication skills. It is important that you can listen well and let everyone finish before taking the floor yourself. Empathizing with the opinions of others is also an important characteristic of these communication skills.

4. Authenticity

To be different from the rest. Stick your head above the parapet. That is also very important for a charismatic leader. What makes Pieter Zwart of Coolblue different from other leaders? He shows himself more and has a different, more open and humorous style of communication than most CEOs. That works! So work on your own style and make a difference.

At Kenneth Smit we provide numerous training courses that can help you further develop your charisma. For example, take a look at our communication training, or to coaching.