A Charismatic Leader Is Like a Magnet: How to Draw People In

Most of us have heard the term "charismatic leader" tossed around before. You might know one or two personally—a charismatic leader might be your boss or your manager at work, or perhaps it’s someone you know through volunteering or an extracurricular activity. A charismatic leader has charisma, that irresistible trait that makes others want to follow you, both in business and in life. What if you could be a charismatic leader? If you’re generally a quieter person, don’t worry—charisma is learnable and can help you become the leader you dream of being.

Make eye contact.

When talking to someone, whether it’s face-to-face or over video chat, try giving them eye contact—not staring, just holding their gaze for five seconds at a time. Looking into another person’s eyes lets them know you’re paying attention and will help you build confidence in your next presentation. It also helps develop rapport with clients and coworkers. The key is to do it naturally; if you feel uncomfortable making eye contact, practice by keeping your eyes on an object across from you. Once that feels comfortable, turn back to your conversation partner and hold their gaze for five seconds before looking away again. Gradually increase how long you make eye contact until you can comfortably maintain direct eye contact with others during conversations. And remember, practice makes perfect! The more often you look people in the eyes when talking to them, the easier it will become.

Use your hands when speaking.

If you’re giving a presentation or simply chatting with colleagues, gestures go a long way toward helping you communicate your ideas. And that means there’s no excuse for not putting your hands up and adding some movement when speaking. Don’t cross your arms across your chest or fidget excessively—both can make you appear nervous, unprofessional, and even rude. Try placing one hand on your chin as you speak; it gives an air of confidence while keeping both of your hands in plain sight. A friendly gesture like an open palm or handshake is also a great idea, especially if you’re meeting someone new. Be careful, though: make sure your palms are dry before making contact so you don’t leave anyone feeling clammy!

Be authentic and honest.

A leader who can’t be trusted is not worth following. To be respected, you must earn your followers’ trust by being truthful and communicating openly. When addressing an issue or problem, take responsibility for what happened. Never attempt to place blame on others; acknowledge your own mistakes and those of team members. If necessary, apologise—especially if you realize that you were wrong in some way or didn’t deliver on a promise. Be sure to follow through with promises and commitments, too. Your people will know they can count on you when things get tough.

Know what you know.

Oftentimes, we hesitate when it comes to expressing ourselves in professional settings because we’re afraid of sounding stupid. Real leaders, however, aren’t afraid of looking like they don’t know something (though you can bet they try to avoid that). Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and take every opportunity to show off your knowledge. And as long as you have facts on your side, no one will question your authority. For example, if someone is proposing an idea that you know is going to fail, politely explain why their plan won’t work. Your colleagues will respect your honesty and follow your lead for similar projects in the future.

Create an aura of mystery.

People want to know things about you that they don’t know. It’s human nature, so you can use it to your advantage. Be selective with your answers, and leave people wanting more. Remember, their curiosity is what leads them to put themselves under your control—you don’t have to brag about yourself for them to see how great you are! Instead of talking about yourself all day long, talk about other people. Share something interesting or funny that happened to someone else today; tell a story about someone else’s accomplishments or struggles. Your followers will be curious enough to find out who these people are and what you mean by someone else. Once they do, watch as your influence on them grows exponentially through word-of-mouth advertising.

Project confidence.

Leadership and charisma go hand in hand, so if you’re trying to project yourself as a leader—whether in your work or your personal life—you need to be confident. Stand tall, make eye contact, and speak with confidence. Your body language can have an enormous impact on how others perceive you. If you feel tense or nervous when talking with someone, for example, it’s easy for others to pick up on that vibe. It’s not just about what you say, but also about how you say it. Remember: Confidence is contagious!

Ask questions.

When you take up leadership in a group setting, you should listen more than you speak. Ask questions and engage with other people in your group. This shows them that you're interested in their thoughts and ideas—and creates an open environment where they feel comfortable sharing. When someone else is speaking, make eye contact, nod your head and appear interested as they speak. Doing so encourages others to share their ideas with confidence because they know that you're willing to listen and respect what they have to say. Asking questions also helps you learn from those around you and gain valuable insight into how they think. The more time you spend listening, asking questions, and being genuinely engaged with others, the easier it will be for you to develop charisma.

Show vulnerability.

Studies show that showing vulnerability is one of the most effective ways to appear charismatic. It also helps people connect with you and makes them want to follow your example. Be honest about your flaws and weaknesses—without overdoing it or delving into too much detail—and you'll make others feel more comfortable around you. People are naturally drawn to those who are open and honest about their flaws, as it makes them seem more relatable. Don't go overboard here; no one wants to hear every last embarrassing story from your childhood.

Be welcoming and inclusive.

Studies show that people who are openly welcoming and inclusive are more likely to inspire trust, which in turn can help you get things done. When it comes time for decision-making, your supporters will feel better about going with you than someone else. And at work or otherwise, one person’s attitude can set an example for others—if you make being welcoming a part of your leadership style, others will follow your lead. The key is making sure you do it sincerely; be friendly and nice but don’t overdo it or force yourself into a role you aren’t comfortable in.

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

A great leader knows that it’s okay to take yourself less seriously. A great leader is okay with not being perfect and knows when someone else makes an honest mistake instead of criticizing them for it. A great leader can have fun while still getting things done. And a great leader knows how to say, "I’m sorry!" and mean it. As long as you’re working towards positive change, your charisma will shine through. The real secret is learning to be comfortable in your skin—not because you think others want you to be (they don’t), but because there’s no reason why they shouldn’t like what they see. After all, aren't we all just trying our best?

Conclusions

The power of a charismatic leader can make a huge difference in any business. Just look at Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Both had traits in common: they were great speakers, displayed a deep passion for their products, and led by example. If you have strong people skills, charisma could be your next step on your leadership journey. A charismatic leader is not always necessary—but it certainly helps!