Have you ever encountered a charismatic person and thought, "I wish I could be charismatic"?

Some people believe that charisma is an innate quality - either you have it, or you don't. Other people believe that it's possible to learn charisma. So which is correct?

The simplest answer is: Both. While this may seem confusing to some, I will attempt to explain how charisma can be both an innate personality trait, and a learned behavior.

There are certainly some people who are born with a keen sense of charisma. Without any training or modeling, these people seem to have a natural influence over others - sometimes even despite themselves. We've all met people throughout our lives that seem to have little interest in influencing others; yet they draw people in who hang on their every word.

This is far less common than most people think. The individual who possesses natural charisma is rare indeed. Though history highlights such people (Adolf Hitler being a prime example), the fact is that most people who possess charismatic personalities have worked quite at developing this trait... even if their influence seems effortless.

For most of us, charisma is developed by studying other people. The vast majority of influential people have extensively studied two kinds of people:

1) Other people with charismatic personalities. Modeling is the most efficient means for developing one's own charisma. By intensively studying dynamic, influential personalities, we begin to adopt the mannerisms, confidence, and actions of these people. Gradually, we adopt these traits into our own personalities, and begin to watch our lives change as we gain influence over other people.

2) People who need or desire to be led. By understanding the motives and needs of people who have the need to be led, you can naturally adopt a charismatic attitude and personality. In order to do this, you have to be able to put yourself in the position of those you want to lead. What are their needs? What motivates them? What will help them improve their lives? The answers to these questions will help you learn how to effectively lead others.

This is not meant to be manipulative - I would not recommend (or condone) behavior that exploits others, or serves as a detriment to their well-being. However, it's important to note that the majority of the world needs to be led, and by studying the traits of both leaders and followers, you can begin to develop a magnetic and charismatic personality that you can use to benefit the lives of others, while furthering your own personal and professional goals.