Charisma is one of the pillars of leadership: so far, everyone agrees. But what exactly is charisma? How can it help managers to fulfil their mission? And if you're not born charismatic, how can you develop this talent? Julien Haucourt, an expert in management and communication, explains.
What is charisma? Everyone has their own definition. An aura, poise, self-confidence or fluency in speech. Charisma is a quality that leaders possess, but one that is difficult to define. In ancient Greek, kharisma means "gift, favour, grace of divine origin". In the early 20th century, the German sociologist Max Weber defined it as "the authority of a leader, felt to be founded on certain supernatural gifts, and based on eloquence, stagecraft, fascination, etc.".
On the one hand, the charisma of modern managers and leaders would therefore be linked to a communication skills. On the other hand, it would also depend on the perception of the interlocutor or observer of the charismatic person. One thing is certain: the charismatic manager above all, trust. They are at ease and put people at ease. Generally speaking, charismatic people are enthusiastic, motivated, eloquent, visionary and sensitive to others. These are qualities and soft skills intimately linked to leadership.
What's the point of managerial charisma?
Charisma enables managers to convince, guide and lead their teams towards a specific objective with greater ease. So it's hardly surprising that it's the most sought-after quality in a manager.
And if we take managers as an example, the ones who have had the greatest impact on their employees are those who know how to say hello and take the time to come and see them to see how they're doing. Not as part of a planned benevolence strategy, but as a result of authenticity and sincerity of heart.
And so, André*, ex-manager in industrywas recognised for his human qualities. The attention he paid to all his employees boosted his charisma and made him an undisputed leader. His method? Meet your employees on the production linesAs soon as his schedule allowed. In this way, he maintained a strong link with operational staff and the field.
Another example: Fabrice*, transitional HR manageris used to occupying positions which naturally arouse the mistrust of employees. And with good reason: he generally steps in during periods of unrest. His method: systematically spend two to three weeks immersed with employees to gain a better understanding of their daily lives. This way of working enables them to quickly identify the real issues at stake and, above all, to facilitate communication with their various contacts thanks to a clear and precise understanding of the issues at stake. relational legitimacy.
These two leaders have one quality in common: the ability to listen, which is essential to good communication. The second is the ability to influence through recognised legitimacy.
Advantages and disadvantages of managerial charisma
Managerial charisma enables you toestablish its leadership, and therefore its legitimacy. This is an undeniable advantage for any manager who wants to help his or her team progress. All the more so at a time when individualism prevails, a trend that is likely to be confirmed with the arrival of new generations on the labour market.
But can managerial charisma also have its drawbacks?
Beyond the ego wars that still too often plague any human structure, the real disadvantage of managerial charisma is for the employer. When a charismatic manager leaves his or her post for other functions or other structures, it can be difficult to replace him or her. Great leaders leave a mark and leave their mark on the teams and work they have managed. In an era of standardised practices, this may seem counterproductive. But it is not.
Indeed, for overcoming the challenge of replacing a charismatic managerthe company has several options:
- Firstly, to encourage collaboration and the transmission of organisational values throughout the hierarchical structure. The aim is to anticipate and mitigate the impact of the departure of a charismatic leader.
- But it also means investing in employee training to ensure we have a pool of potential leaders. They will be ready to take over and perpetuate the company's vision and culture.
4 keys to developing your charisma
Some people seem to have a 'natural' or innate charisma. But, in reality, it can be learned. The good news is that anyone can develop charisma!
1 - Values, a vision
Know where you're going and be yourself, true to your values. According to Brian Tracy, writer, lecturer and consultant specialising in personal development, vision and integrity are among the primary components of leadership. In reality, no one wants to follow a manager who seems to be navigating blindly through murky waters.
2 - Assertiveness
Assert yourself, while respecting others.
Daniel*, marketing managerHe had great difficulty asserting himself and positioning himself. Finding himself between management and his colleagues, he had the feeling of being "between a rock and a hard place". His lack of assertiveness and his inability to take a stand undermined his credibility with both his team and management. Training in assertiveness allowed him to find a better positioning.
Examples of assertive behaviour:
- Know how to say no
- Dare to say "I", not hide behind "we" or "us".
- Take the initiative to clarify any situation that seems complicated or tense
- To ask questions
3 - Good preparation
Be prepared! Being at ease in all circumstances requires work and preparation. To feel confident, you first need to master your subject.
The charismatic person displays a form of confidence and serenity because they know what they are talking about. There is no room for hesitation.
A few good practices to help you prepare
1/ To speak in public
For example:
- Know your audience: who will your audience be, what are their expectations, their prior knowledge and their concerns? This will enable you to tailor your speech to take account of this information.
- Define a clear objective: what is the main message you want to convey? Make sure beforehand that your speech has a precise objective: to convince, to reassure...
- Anticipate possible questions: anticipate the questions your audience might ask and prepare appropriate answers. You'll be more confident and it will show.
And don't forget: you need to prepare for improv!
Even a speech that seems like it could be improvised needs to be prepared, especially when you're not used to it.
2/ To adopt the right posture
For example:
- Always get into a positive frame of mind before entering a room.
- Repeating "Super! Great! before meeting someone. This is one of Nicholas Boothman's tips in his book "Convincing in under 2 minutes".
This positive state of mind will show on your face.
4 - Non-verbal communication
Posture, look... The non-verbal communication is essential for the charismatic leader. In Western cultures, most often, a shifty glance is synonymous with fear, concealment or unease. So, look at your interlocutors!
Examples:
- Émilie*, Administrative ManagerShe found it difficult to cope with the pressure and her emotions. Her posture was tainted by this, so much so that she looked like a victim. By practising relaxation therapy and public speaking, she was able to change her posture, to the benefit of her team and everyone involved. She also regained control of her body through breathing. Finally, her work on posture, particularly verticality, enabled her to occupy space more effectively and gain greater physical and emotional stability.
- Sylvain*, expert in operational excellenceHis posture and the way he looked gave others the impression that he had an unpleasant attitude. By changing the way he tilted his head when he spoke, and then working on the way he connected with the other person's gaze, he completely changed the impression he gave when he spoke. As a result, he was able to regain his self-confidence.
Although opinions differ on the foundations of charisma, it is difficult for a manager to do without it today. Charismatic leadership facilitates the manager's mission, acting as a real booster of human relations. But charisma doesn't just appear out of the blue. On the contrary, it is based on soft skills that are learned over time and strengthened with experience. In conclusion, sincerity, authenticity and appropriate communication are the best foundations for charismatic and effective leadership.
*First names have been changed to protect the anonymity of participants.
