What are effective ways to combine charisma with strategic thinking?

Charisma is one of those innate qualities that can be enhanced but not created from scratch. However, those who naturally possess charisma can definitely harness it alongside strategic thinking to amplify their leadership effectiveness.

Recently I observed Leslie Stahl interview a man who had served as advisor to eight President’s of the United States. Her interview was supported by a keen intellect and deep preparation. These hard earned talents were table stakes. What I realized that her success as a ground breaking, cutting edge journalist rested in part on her personal charisma. She was at 82, one of the most magnetic people I have had the opportunity to observe. Her impact as a leading journalist rested on all of these characteristics. Charisma draws people in, but without substance it will not have the impact of authentic engagement, of long term commitment. People want to know they are part of something impactful, this combination is the secret sauce.

Strategy is the big picture and made up of multiple stakeholders and in some cases, shareholders. Charisma is an innate ability to play nice in the sandbox because at your core, you care and show what you feel inside to those who matter personally and professionally. We need both.

Charismatic leadership is a trait that the best leaders possess. Knowing your business and executing flawlessly can be done ruthlessly, and thus harm those you work for and tarnish the organizational reputation. On the other hand, leaders who seek a quiet and gentle workplace may find themselves with lack-luster performance. Leaders who embrace the ability to create a positive emotional response from their teams while defining the outcomes that matter to the organization, will inspire those employees to greater achievements and higher productivity at the same time as building a culture of ownership and accountability. Teams will want to do well because of their beliefs in the leader and the organizational direction.

Authenticity, is valued and often not realized. At work or in relationships with mentors we often disguise ourselves trying to be what we think the person is seeking in a colleague or mentee. Strategy can become inauthentic as you are not informing it with your best and engaged ideas. That flows to your team. One day, you realize your team’s contribution to strategy is weakened. Value can be hidden by layers of disguises. Alternatively, make a plan to bring your authentic self to all aspects of your work. It liberates you and fosters engagement by your team. People looking for leadership are reassured by your authentic engagement. Through your authenticity, strategy will gain the momentum necessary for success.

Authenticity, is valued and often not realized. At work or in relationships with mentors we often disguise ourselves trying to be what we think the person is seeking in a colleague or mentee. Strategy can become inauthentic as you are not informing it with your best and engaged ideas. That flows to your team. One day, you realize your team’s contribution to strategy is weakened. Value can be hidden by layers of disguises. Alternatively, make a plan to bring your authentic self to all aspects of your work. It liberates you and fosters engagement by your team. People looking for leadership are reassured by your authentic engagement. Through your authenticity, strategy will gain the momentum necessary for success.

Being able to frame a difficult question with charisma, allows everyone at the table to “hear” the question, encouraging their authentic response. Charisma conveys that whatever the answer it will be considered seriously without judgement or bias. A gift to any team.