The nine traits of charisma and how to master them

Charisma is generally thought of as a dichotomy: either you have it or you don’t. But it turns out this potent mix of charm and persuasiveness that inspires devotion and loyalty in others can, in fact, be learned. John Antonakis, a professor of organizational behaviour at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, teaches a leadership course and recently sought to put some academic rigour behind the charisma techniques on which he lectures. The result is a new study in the journal Academy of Management Learning & Education.

Antonakis took a group of Swiss managers and asked their peers, subordinates and bosses to rate them based on how often they exhibited certain traits associated with charisma. He then gave one group five hours of charisma training (they also spent countless hours studying and practising on their own) while the other group received none. Three months later, the managers were evaluated again. Those who received training were rated significantly more charismatic than their peers.

Mastering the traits identified by Antonakis isn’t easy, but the results can be rewarding in any situation where influence is required, be it leading a team or pitching a prospective client. “This is charisma we’re talking about, one of the most powerful weapons in a leader’s arsenal,” he says.