We all know someone magnetic. Someone that people gravitate towards, someone who whenever you spend time with them you leave feeling good.
Magnetic people often find themselves in leadership roles because people naturally follow them. A small-business manager should often aspire to attain magnetic qualities to attract the attention of colleagues, employees and customers. Magnetism helps draw people to your vision for the company so they will want to invest in its success.
These people are the life of every party. Magnetic people aren’t constantly searching for validation, because they’re confident enough to find it in themselves. There are certain habits they pursue every day to maintain this healthy perspective.
Authenticity
People with magnetic personalities are sincere. They radiate authenticity. So, if you aspire to be magnetic, you have to be real about who you are and what you have to offer. Others will respond positively to your honest demeanor and transparenc
Presence
Presence is the easiest but most misunderstood aspect of being charismatic. How hard is it to be present in an interaction? With our minds wandering about 47% of the time, it turns out, it is quite difficult.
Simply put, being present means you have dedicated 100% of yourself to the current interaction. When someone is speaking to you, tune your brain into not only what they are saying, but why they are saying it as well.
Listening
Listen attentively to increase your level of magnetism. People are naturally fond of those who take the time to hear their concerns, ambitions and ideas. Look directly at the person talking, repeat back in your head what is said, and do not allow outside events to distract you.
Everyone wants to feel important. The best and easiest way to make people feel important is to legitimately listen to what they have to say, and clarify your understanding of their thoughts.
This means thoroughly listening to another person’s point of view, instead of planning in your head what you are going to say next. While thinking what you are going to say next, how can you be fully understanding of what another person has to say? When you have an awesome idea, don’t you want people to listen?
There is nothing more frustrating than when you have the best idea ever, and nobody seems to want to listen to you. When you finally find someone that makes an effort to understand you, don’t you feel a strong appreciation for them?
Leadership
What makes someone a great leader and a hero to others - servant leadership.
- They treat everyone with respect
- They focus on people and skip the small talk
- They are authentic
- They are passionate
- They have integrity
- They have fun
An example of a servant leader is Dr. Martin Luther King.. Dr. King certainly did not choose the easy road when he assumed a leadership role in the Civil Rights Movement and chose to champion the non-violent approach.
He knew that approach would be more difficult, but he also knew it would ultimately be more beneficial to those he was trying to serve. Even more servant-like was Dr. King’s well known desire to not be remembered for the prizes and accolades he won in life, but for his role in driving towards social justice.
In other words, he cared more about how he helped others than about any recognition he could ever receive.
Power
Power is one aspect of charisma that most people find difficult. Power is critical to charisma, simply due to the fact that powerful people attract attention. When you have some kind of desirable knowledge or expertise, people will follow you.
Studies show that nonverbal communication, also known as body language, makes up around 60% of all interpersonal communication. This implies that your body language is more important than the content that comes out of your mouth.
In order to convey power, it is important to have dominant body language. Claim territory with your body – take up space by comfortably spreading out your arms and legs. Keep your chin up, sit up straight (yes, Mother) and pull your shoulders down and slightly back.
One last key to projecting power is to have good vocal tonality. Make sure that your vocal intonation does not rise excessively at the end of your sentences (as it often does when you ask questions) – this indicates weakness, indecisiveness, and neediness.
A recent study done by Quantified Impressions, an Austin, Texas, communications analytics company, showed that the sound of a speaker’s voice matters twice as much as the content of what they are saying - would you agree?
Warmth
Warmth, unlike presence and power, is the factor that makes you approachable. Warmth is somewhat related to presence, but is more related to providing a feeling of comfort to those you are interacting with.
To be warm, it helps to treat others as equals, even though you may be much higher on the social ladder. Making people feel important makes them feel good, and if you are able to become a source of these feelings, people will be attracted to you.
The key to generating massive amounts of charisma is to mix these three qualities in the right proportions. Too much warmth without power can come across as needy. Too much power without presence can come across as arrogant. Too much presence can come across as creepy; you get the picture.
Humor
As a good friend of mine says (you know who you are), you need to play to your strengths. This characteristic may not be the one for you to focus on, you may be more energetic, or rely more on your intellect but this is one that has formed a big part of who I am.
Regardless, you need to be able to laugh about yourself and situations. Having a good sense of humor is a positive quality that will attract followers. You don't have to be funny or witty, but you should be able to see the humor in life and business.
So, those are my top traits, what are yours? Are you charismatic? How many of the 5 qualities do you have?
Let us know in the comments below, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
About the Author
Nathanial Bibby is the Managing Director of Bibby Consulting Group who have assisted over 4,000 companies with their lead generation strategies. He is a regular speaker at industry related events and corporate conferences, becoming Australia and South East Asia's leading authority on digital strategy, social media and using LinkedIn for business.
If you're interested in how Bibby Consulting Group can assist you with your digital strategy, please visit: www.bibbyconsultinggroup.com.au