Ah charisma! Such a beautiful euphonic sounding word.
Say the word and observe how it tantalisingly softly slips and sings off the lips. Charisma....
But this hallowed word is reserved only and rightly so for the chosen few who have the power of charisma. These chosen few have something special about them and that certain something puts them head and shoulders above the rest of us
But what is it? What is it that they have and we ain't?
Charismatic people connect and engage on another level. A level where words and actions are morealess redundant. Operating on an unspoken level, a sub conscious level. A connection that reaches out to us, captivates us, enthrals and moves us on a myriad of levels and senses: emotional, spiritual, social and intellectual.
You cannot bottle it. You cannot buy it and you most definitely cannot learn or be taught it, no matter how brilliant your leadership course.
Charisma, no two ways about.You either got it or you ain't.
So who are these charismatic people? What is so appealing about them, so inspiring, so magnetic that some would chose to follow them. Follow them with out question. Follow them blindly to the ends of the world.... perhaps?
Could it be their charming personality? I hope not.
Charisma and charm are distinctly different to me. Charm is an outward action. charisma is an inner trait. Although one thing that both charismatic and charming people share is their excellent social adeptness. Some would even go so far as to say they light up the room the minute they walk through the door. They can work a room full of strangers, a sea of faces with effortless ease. Making the people feel wanted, belief in themselves, giving the people a purpose, a way, an answer.
But charisma is not strictly sacrosanct. Reserved only to the righteous, the good-doers. Oh no, for charisma also belongs to the charlatan, the deceiver. Witness the cult uprising they so skilfully nurture and brainwash; the empty promises they make. For sure history is peppered with tyrannous charismatic leaders, taking advantage of the meek, the sheep that blindly followed their shepherd, followed their new found "messiah" - without even questioning their motives, their intentions.
So there we have it - Charisma. It comes in two versions: good and bad and it comes in bucket loads.
You either got or you ain't.
No point looking for it, cos it looks for you.
"Charisma is a sparkle in people that money can't buy. It's an invisible energy with visible effects."
— Marianne Williamson
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