What makes for an irresistible leader?
Someone like Richard Branson comes to mind. He’s such a dynamic, likable personality that his main role at Virgin is, well … being Richard Branson.
On the other hand, we’ve got a certain presidential candidate who doesn’t seem to understand that his appeal to a relatively small group of Americans does not transfer over to the general population. Still, aspects of himself have led to a scenario where it seems he can do no wrong when it comes to his band of followers.
The key ingredient is charisma.
Research tells us that in the absence of empirical evidence of effectiveness — say in a CEO — people will naturally gravitate to the more charismatic leader. One theory posits that this has an evolutionary function, where charisma stemmed from “the ability to convince followers that you can get other members of a wider group to cooperate.”
How do you develop charisma if it doesn’t come to you naturally? It’s historically been a bit of a mystery, with many believing that you’re either born with it or not.
New studies suggest that’s not the case — you can work at it:
- When researchers trained middle managers and MBA students for 30 to 90 hours in 12 “charismatic leadership tactics,” such as using metaphors and gestures, they found that charisma improved. Master these tactics, and people may follow you anywhere.
The Seth Godin quote in the graphic is anecdotal, but it rings true. In many cases, accepting a leadership position forces us to ratchet up our confidence, which manifests itself as charisma, which then self-perpetuates. And the beginning point of leadership is to put yourself out there and be helpful.
This Atlantic article is chock full of interesting data about this enigmatic character trait. Check it out if you’re looking to more effectively lead:
The Charisma Effect: How to Bend People to Your Will
Keep going-
Brian Clark
Further
further: health
The Deflation Diet
If Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady are doing it, well then … it must be a thing. So what exactly is the 80/20 diet? It mostly boils down to common sense eating, without the impossible rigor.
Is the 80/20 Diet Actually a Diet?
Olympic Couch Sitting
Watching Usain Bolt blaze to victory may be inspiring you to exercise. Great news for all the lazy folk out there — even if you don’t actually get up and channel the Jamaican speedster the next morning, you really do deserve a little bit of credit for the thought.
Just Thinking About Exercise Can Trick Your Body Into Believing It’s Worked Out
The Pepsi Challenge
Think one little sugary soda won’t make a difference on your waistline? Think again.
Replacing Just One Sugary Drink with Water Could Significantly Improve Health
further: wealth
Pro Habits
As Steven Pressfield once said, the difference between a professional and an amateur is in their habits. Being a prolific creator means you can’t depend too much on inspiration.
6 Daily Habits That Will Help You Become a More Prolific Creator
Don’t Walk Away
No one likes to be micromanaged. But when it comes to leadership, going too far in the opposite direction can be just as bad.
Forget Micromanaging, Hands-Off Leadership Could Hurt Workers More
The Art of Sucking Up
Some of us think we should be judged at work strictly on our performance, not our likability. “I don’t suck up,” they say. According to a study called The Impact of Impression Management Over Time, even with great job performance, you still need to deliver the niceties to get higher performance evaluations.
Being Nice to Your Boss Isn’t Optional
further: wisdom
Give to Get Some
According to new research, the more altruistic people are, the more sex they have, whether it’s hooking up or settling down.
Altruistic People Have More Sex
Depression Era
Americans are more depressed now than they have been in decades, even if they don’t know it, a new study finds. Many people reported symptoms of depression that they didn’t realize were signs of depression
5 Classic Signs of Depression Most People Don’t Recognize
Will to Failure
German philosopher, poet, composer, and writer Friedrich Nietzsche is among humanity’s most enduring, influential, and oft-cited minds. A century and a half before our modern fetishism of failure, he made a seminal philosophical case for its value.
Friedrich Nietzsche on Why a Fulfilling Life Requires Embracing Rather than Running from Difficulty
further: sharing
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