Charisma is Overrated

A colleague recently asked me to accompany him to a business meeting. He is, in his words, an extreme introvert and is uncomfortable meeting strangers and initiating conversations. His comfort zone is deep in technology, so he wanted me there to spark the conversation. The quicker I could lead the discussion to project specifics, the better – his nerves would be working overtime until then.

By no means am I bursting at the seams with charisma. I’m quite comfortable keeping to myself and getting lost in my thoughts; I can even appear a bit standoffish if not in the right setting. That said, I have realized that being assured of my knowledge, skills, and what I bring to the table has allowed me to be confident in most situations, regardless of my initial comfort-level. 

I’ve met so many people who rely solely on their charm, having no follow-through or substance to offer after the initial conversation. They walk in and command a room, but, afterward, deliver nothing they promised. Working with people like this in the past made me realize that not having a booming personality is not necessarily a downfall. 

Please don’t get me wrong; I have plenty of colleagues who have both and they are powerhouses in business. It is important to note, however, that your subsequent actions are more defining than your initial impression. You can be just as successful without compelling magnetism in social situations, provided you have actual knowledge of the topic at hand.

We each have our strengths. Focus on what you bring to the table, know that you’ll deliver when needed, and let that give you the confidence to walk proudly into any business situation.