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Charisma Impaired? Now There’s a Cure

Posted by Rusty Weston on Monday, July 27th, 2009

We look for star quality in politicians and actors, but rarely do we find it among corporate leaders. And, no, we’re not just talking about good looks. The quality known as charisma is an intangible, but valuable career asset, too.

Does it translate well from one culture to another? “The notion of charisma is extremely culture-specific,” says Olivia Fox Cabane, executive director of Spitfire Communications, who coaches leaders on this topic. “Be cautious with taking what has worked at home and trying to work it abroad. A big part of American charisma is making yourself look human and vulnerable – that can be suicide in Germany.”

Cabane, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, lawyer and author, who has two passports (U.S. & France), holds three degrees from two countries and is fluent in four languages, is one of the few among us who has shopped on different continents for where to live. Cabane, who has lived and worked in seven countries on three continents, says she evaluated countries on the basis of where her personal charisma would work best. She loves France, but felt that “lacking gray hair” she would never be taken seriously there.

She has gone to some extremes to win people over. “When I first started lecturing at the United Nations I was 24-years-old,” says Cabane. “I knew that I couldn’t go in there with my 24-year-old face and be listened to with any degree of respect – so I wore stage makeup.”

She chose to dive into the melting pot, New York City. “I knew my personality would fit well in the U.S., she says.”Once I gain gray hairs I will start to come back to France and then later go to Asia.”

Cabane’s best advice about charisma?

When you meet someone, Cabane says, “Try to be all about them. Try to keep the spotlight on the other person for as long as possible. Don’t try to impress them, let them impress you and they will love you.”
Another first encounter tip: “Your quickest step toward charisma is drinking them in with your eyes,” says Cabane.
Unfortunately, one approach doesn’t play everywhere. “Once you have a good solid foundation you also need to learn the country-specific rules of communication – how formal or informal. Body language differs from country to country. It means quite a bit of research.”

Cabane’s clients, who include corporate consultants and executives, are encouraged to think out of the box. “You have to play to your strengths – the world is your playing field,” says the author of The Pocket Guide to Becoming a Superstar in Your Field. “Look at the world as your market. Where in it are your skills most valuable?”

For charisma-impaired careerists, Cabane offers hope that charisma can be taught.