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"Charisma is the intangible that makes people want to
follow you, to be around you, to be influenced by you."
--
Roger Dawson
Each person is born ethnocentric, or believing that other
people and events revolve around them which is generally true
for the first few years of a child's life. The focus of activity
for a growing child is inward. Some people carry this inward,
self-focus into adulthood. These people, so overly concerned
with their own well being in a self-centered way, never learn
the secrets of influence. Successful people, who want to have
the power of persuasion, turn their circle of activity and
interest outward. They expand their centers to be as conscious
of the world around them as they are of themselves. They develop
what we call, charisma.
Charisma means you have learned to:
1.
Act with credibility.
Those who are inconsistent in their behavior repel people while
those who are consistent in their behavior draw people to them.
To be influential, have integrity. Speak up for what you
believe, then act accordingly.
Gerry Spence, one of America's greatest trial lawyers, said,
"One can stand as the greatest orator the world has known,
possess the quickest mind, employ the cleverest psychology, and
have mastered all the technical devices of argument, but if one
is not credible one might just as well preach to the pelicans."
2. Be interested.
Be truly interested in the other person. Treat him or her as the
most important person you'll interact with that day - a VIP,
Very Important Person. Smile at them, not just for a brief,
dutiful second, but for a magical two or three seconds.
When you smile, lean toward the person a little, and think in
your mind, "I like you. You are a great individual. I want to
get to know you better." You'll be amazed at the connection and
trust that will occur.
3.
Extend respect.
A few interaction skills that make a big difference to a
respectful atmosphere in your organization include not
interrupting conversations, asking if the person has time to
talk, and listening to ideas.
Remember not to be in such a know-it-all position or in such
a hurry that you finish other people's sentences. Be sure to
comment on their ideas to let them know you have really been
listening, not just waiting for them to take a breath so you can
jump in with your agenda.
4.
Deliver sincere compliments.
People you work with do care what you think about them. They
appreciate your mentioning their good work. When you do
recognize them, be specific in your compliments.
Refrain from saying in an off-handed manner, "Oh, great work,
Donna." Make it more personal: "Donna, that is the best research
that has come across my desk in the last six months. Excellent
work."
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5.
Accept sincere compliments.
If a colleague comments, "Good presentation." Refrain from
saying, "Oh, it was nothing." If a friend says, "Nice suit,"
don't reply, "This old thing? I've had it for years."
Deflecting a compliment often draws unwanted attention and
belittles both you and the person offering the compliment. Just
say,"Thank you." You'll be pleased with how gracious you become.
6.
State what you are FOR, not AGAINST. People don't like nor do they cooperate with people who they think are
against them. When you are against something, the person thinks
you are against them personally. Once you voice your opposition
to another person's idea, you become part of the problem. It's
as if a war has started with each of you fighting to be right.
When you are for something, you begin focusing on the
potential for positive change. You start the process of
collaboration. You become a powerful person.
Try it.
Next time a colleague brings you an idea for improving the
department, find something about the idea you can be for. You
may find that you never have to state what you were against in
her ideas because the synergy and creativity has taken a
positive turn to solving the problem.
Karla Brandau, CSP is a speaker, trainer & successful
entrepreneur. She is "A wealth of empowerment information" who
provides "real help, not theory" to improve, enhance & energize
your leadership skills. Visit
http://www.karlabrandau.com Call Karla on 770.923.0883 or
email her
karla@karlabrandau.com |
