Getting Unstuck: Understanding the Charismatic Persona – a Conversation with Joe Kwon
“The power that [the charismatic person] has is something inside them; it moves a lot of other people. And because of that that, people want to be more closely connected to them. They want to follow them.”
Today on Getting Unstuck
Most of us could likely identify someone we think is "charismatic." But when it comes to defining charismatic qualities, we're likely to fall silent or offer banalities such as "electric," "engaging," or "alluring."
Ever curious, Joe Kwon – "The Connection Counselor" and the genius behind the unique podcast, “Why It Works” – set out to more carefully outline those qualities that make up the charismatic persona. The result is his new and highly readable book, Unlock Your Charisma – and a very nuanced definition that will make you think.
It’s also a highly personal book as the “Your” in the title implies. Interestingly, many of the qualities that Joe sees as defining the charismatic person are the same ones that we would like to see in our leaders.
Listen for
• The two pathways people can follow to become charismatic.
• How the need to connect with “the other” and the desire to be connected with “the other” are charismatic qualities.
• Some specific characteristics that make up the charismatic persona.
• How the specific charismatic characteristics align with what we see as desired leadership qualities.
• How the principles of authenticity and vulnerability show up in the charismatic person.
• What Joe means by the concept of “blending,” and how it shows up in the charismatic person.
Watch
• The premier video in Joe’s series, “The Charisma Chronicles”
“When I’m most charismatic, I’m really talking about things that I love. I’m being my true self. I’m not putting up any masks or barriers. So what you’re getting is like this pure, kind of authentic version of me, not what I think someone wants to see.”
Reflect on it
In his chapter on “Harmony,” Joe defines charisma as “the ability to sense and ultimately deliver exactly what is most needed from an emotional perspective in a given moment.” If you’re thinking “this is empathy on steroids,” good! What supporting qualities would you need to exercise charisma in this definition? What’s your current ability to demonstrate charisma, as Joe defines it?
For more information
Joe on LinkedIn
Why It Works podcast