The issue of charisma emerged early in this presidential election: concerns that Romney lacks sizzle while Obama wins the charisma bowl. Some experts say leaders (political or otherwise) must be charismatic to succeed. Others – including some of the best CEOs I know – believe that great leadership has less to do with personal magnetism. It’s strategy and results that really matter.
Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, was a bigger-than-life executive whose reach extended far beyond the fast-food industry. His self-effacing style and charisma connected him to his consumers in over 800 TV commercials – 90% of Americans knew who he was! But it wasn’t just charisma that made Thomas’ Wendy’s the third largest fast food restaurant in the nation. Even “born leaders” need a compelling strategy and message, and the people behind them to make change happen.
I’ve found that charisma will not sustain confidence among a leader’s constituents unless he develops a credible message and reinforces repeatedly how vente chateau gonflable and why the strategies will work – and are working. Without a candid exchange about the future and a viable strategy for change, a leader is likely to face intractable apathy and subpar performance.
In her blog on 9/11, Rosabeth Kanter, professor at the Harvard Business School, argued that we can’t discount charisma: She says, “The emerging leaders and rising entrepreneurs on whom I place my bets have one thing in common besides a promising idea: a lot of charisma.” Kanter believes that, although we tend to discount charisma of late, this personal magnetism makes people believe a leader can attract the best talent and deliver.
Certainly charisma is helpful, but executives with less charisma can succeed with the right messaging, a convincing commitment to get it done, and decisive action. I encourage my clients to formulate an impelling vision, spark excitement for change, and develop a viable plan for action. Creating the excitement of charisma through messaging and vision usually works when coupled with the right amount of input and practice. Ultimately, an organization needs to feel successful and see that success in the numbers.
Harry Cannes was a young business leader who lacked long-held accomplishments in the high tech world. He was extremely charismatic, eager to make a mark in his company – and that’s what he did. He listened to advice and worked hard to demonstrate new behaviors and skills needed in the business. Even veteran managers rallied around him and helped him develop his big ideas. The business soared.
No doubt, it wasn’t easy. Harry worked hard to lead the change; he methodically mapped out a number of action steps. Among them, we shaped messages that encouraged change and respected everyone; we aligned the structure and organizational capabilities with the intent of his new business vision. We also looked at the culture and adjusted both goals and incentives to balance risk-taking with a focus on customers and profits. And we engaged large groups of leaders and staff in re-creating the culture.
A less charismatic Alan Jones was highly respected and known for his ability to turn businesses around. His message was charismatic in substance and tone: “A turnaround is in our future, and essential to sustain the business,” he proclaimed. “Without question, we’ll have to work hard. I am confident we have the strategy and know-how to get this done. Trust me – I promise that the results you deliver will be rewarded.”
How did Alan fare? The organization bought it. They believed his message. The new focus and follow-through generated a palpable sense of spirit and confidence across the organization; we saw it in the actions of people in every discipline.
If you believe you have charisma and want results, it’s important to persuasively express any change you are promoting. Whether you have the “sizzle” or not, it’s vital that you create a powerful message and support it with broad-based strategies that will evoke excitement and commitment. People need to believe in the importance of what they are doing. In business, magnetism helps, but will get you just so far. You need to package your message so people get it, want it, and want to be a part of it. There’s much you can do to get everyone to lean into the business.
We’ll see how the presidential race goes. Governor Christie of New Jersey assured the press that qualifications will trump charisma. He says, Romney is who he is – look at what’s he’s done. He may just be right.
Let’s hear about your experience. How do you create the right amount of magnetic excitement in your business?
Tags: Barack Obama, Charisma, Dave Thomas, Governor Christie, Leadership, Leadership communication, Mitt Romney, Rosabeth Kanter, Wendy’s