Introduction
Charisma. Is it a trait we are born with or is a skill that can be honed and sharpened? Are there attributes in our personality that lends itself to charisma? Is this attribute, trait or skill a positive or a negative? The answers to these questions are as convoluted as the definitions of charisma. This word finds in origin in Greek meaning “divinely inspired gift” (DuBrin, 2013, p.73). Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines charisma as “having great charm or appeal” (2016). How could appeal be negative? The Cambridge online dictionary defines charisma as “a special power that some people have naturally that makes them able to influence other people and attract their attention and admiration” (2016). Special powers? Is this why we …show more content…
I have often considered these as negative attributes. For example, I am a proponent for confidence rather than self-promotion. Cathy Engelbert, CEO of Deloitte, stated that “research shows that women tend to struggle with self-promotion” (Wharton, 2015). The irony is that I have received feedback from senior managers and counterparts that urge and encourage self-promotion. I have to look at it from a perspective of educating others about my value versus an opportunity to boast. It will allow me to develop my personal brand which includes my appearance.
In her article, “7 reasons why risk-taking leads to Success”, Julie Zeilinger explains why women are not known for taking risks and the barriers this can create in obtaining success (2013). Aside from demonstrating confidence, risk-taking affords us with unforeseen opportunities and allows us to overcome fear (Zeilinger, 2013). One of the main roadblocks to success is fear. Both Oprah and Steve Harvey attest their failures outnumber their success. By reframing risk as an opportunity to succeed rather than the path to failure, I can learn new things and take on greater responsibility.
Charisma. Is it a trait we are born with or is a skill that can be honed and sharpened? Are there attributes in our personality that lends itself to charisma? Is this attribute, trait or skill a positive or a negative? The answers to these questions are as convoluted as the definitions of charisma. This word finds in origin in Greek meaning “divinely inspired gift” (DuBrin, 2013, p.73). Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines charisma as “having great charm or appeal” (2016). How could appeal be negative? The Cambridge online dictionary defines charisma as “a special power that some people have naturally that makes them able to influence other people and attract their attention and admiration” (2016). Special powers? Is this why we …show more content…
I have often considered these as negative attributes. For example, I am a proponent for confidence rather than self-promotion. Cathy Engelbert, CEO of Deloitte, stated that “research shows that women tend to struggle with self-promotion” (Wharton, 2015). The irony is that I have received feedback from senior managers and counterparts that urge and encourage self-promotion. I have to look at it from a perspective of educating others about my value versus an opportunity to boast. It will allow me to develop my personal brand which includes my appearance.
In her article, “7 reasons why risk-taking leads to Success”, Julie Zeilinger explains why women are not known for taking risks and the barriers this can create in obtaining success (2013). Aside from demonstrating confidence, risk-taking affords us with unforeseen opportunities and allows us to overcome fear (Zeilinger, 2013). One of the main roadblocks to success is fear. Both Oprah and Steve Harvey attest their failures outnumber their success. By reframing risk as an opportunity to succeed rather than the path to failure, I can learn new things and take on greater responsibility.