Charismatic leadership is IN. That means being engaged, animated, and persuasive to get your team and colleagues on the same page. It also means no more chilling on the sidelines, rather being all in, getting involved and leading by example. This becomes so much easier when you have charisma. But how exactly do you show charisma at work? Continue reading to get tangible ideas, examples, and an inside look at workplace scenarios.
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Put this blog into action with my executive presence exercises. Access a self-assessment and CHARISMA Framework with real work examples.
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What is Workplace Charisma?
I love how Harvard Business School’s research describes charisma. It’s a balance and blend of warmth and competency, with warmth being described as friendly, likeable, and trustworthy, and competency as capable, dependable, and powerful. And when you’ve found the sweet spot in the middle? That’s when you’re charismatic and have charisma.
You can find out where you land on the scale by accessing your Executive Charisma Package and taking the self-assessment.
The Benefits of Charismatic Leadership
Why does being a charismatic leader matter?
Being a leader isn’t about your external titles and accolades, rather who you are, what makes you tick internally. That’s how your team members and colleagues will truly be inspired by you.
Being charismatic helps you be visible in who you are to more effectively influence and inspire others.
In short, it makes you a stronger, more trustworthy leader.
So how can you step into your charisma and be a more charismatic leader? With the CHARISMA Framework.
CHARISMA Framework
The CHARISMA Framework is a resource I’ve designed to help you become aware of what charisma looks like at work, which charisma elements fall under warmth and competence, and how you can dial up certain elements to become more charismatic with real workplace charisma examples.
While I’ll describe what each element is, you’ll need to access the framework in the Executive Charisma Package to harness all the dial-up techniques.
C: Confidence
Confidence falls under the competence category and means that no matter the situation, you know you can handle it and maintain your creativity and resourcefulness. You exude confidence not just in others, but internally too.
See if you have confidence by asking yourself: “Do I maintain my convictions while remaining approachable?”
Dial-up technique:
- Make decisive statements rather than asking questions.
H: Humility
Humility lands under warmth and means you’re okay with not knowing everything and making mistakes.
See if you express humility by asking yourself: “Do I balance my confidence with genuine humility? Can I say things like ‘I don’t know’ and ‘I made a mistake?’”
Dial-up technique:
- Acknowledge others’ contributions.
A: Authenticity
Authenticity is included under warmth and means you are comfortable with bringing your whole self to work, embodying your Brilliant Difference, not compartmentalizing and contorting yourself.
See if you’re authentic by asking yourself: “Do I show up as my authentic self or am I playing a role?”
Dial-up technique:
- Express genuine emotion when you’re moved by something or someone.
R: Responsiveness
Here’s another warmth element. When you’re responsive, you know how to read the room and adjust your communication style to match your audience. You encourage others to voice their ideas and needs while offering support and feedback.
See if you’re responsive by asking yourself: “Am I truly present and responding to what’s happening in the room?”
Dial-up technique:
- Acknowledge emotions before addressing technical content.
I: Intention
Entering another competence element, being intentional means you’re thoughtful and deliberate about your interactions with others.
See if you’re intentional by asking yourself: “Have I set clear intentions for this interaction?”
Dial-up technique:
- Clearly state your objectives during the outset of the conversation.
S: Storytelling
Storytelling is another warmth element and means you use stories to create connection and emotional resonance to make your message sticky and memorable.
See if you use stories by asking yourself: “Do I use stories regularly to generate connection?
Dial-up technique:
- Include personal vulnerability stories in your interactions when applicable.
M: Mindfulness
Mindfulness falls under competence and means you’re attentive and present in every situation.
See if you’re mindful by asking: “Am I fully present right now, or is my mind wandering elsewhere?”
Dial-up technique:
- Maintain composed body language under pressure.
A: Articulation
The final charisma element lands under competence and means you’re clear and compelling at delivering your ideas and messages. You keep people to an agenda and successfully pitch your ideas.
See how articulate you are by asking yourself: “Am I communicating this idea with clarity and underlining the impact?
Dial-up technique:
- Organize your points in a clear and logical structure
How Will You Show Up as a Charismatic Leader?
How do you show charisma at work? Now you know exactly how by being confident, humble, authentic, responsive, intentional, a storyteller, mindful, and articulate.
Now, you may already be fluent in certain elements but need to work on others. I encourage you to focus on one element and start embedding it throughout your work week where it makes the most sense to you.
Take it one element, one step at a time, and watch your leadership and career transform.
