The General Election campaign is well and truly under way in the UK.

There have been debates with party leaders, programmes profiling the leader’s lives. Every time you turn on a news bulletin there is a story about the campaign and pledges. All of this coverage is designed to engage the general public in the debate and choices. For the political parties it is about getting their message across, to have a positive influence on the electorate and to attract votes.

The coverage and campaigns have reminded me of a story told by John Maxwell from the nineteenth century. Two men vied for the leadership of the UK’s government: William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli and they were intense rivals.

Many people believe that Gladstone, leader of the liberal party for three decades, personified the best qualities of Victorian Britain. A career public servant, he was a great orator, a master of finance and staunchly moral man.

He was made prime minister four times, the only person to achieve that feat. Under his leadership, the country established a national education system, instituted parliamentary reform and saw the vote given to a greater amount of working people.

Benjamin Disraeli served twice as prime minister, had a different kind of background. In his thirties, he entered politics and built a reputation as a diplomat and social reformer. But his greatest accomplishment was masterminding the country’s purchase of shares in the Suez Canal.

Though both men accomplished much, what really separated them as leaders was their approach to people. The difference is best illustrated by a story told by a young woman who dined with them on consecutive evenings. When asked of her impression of them, she said, “When I left the dining room after sitting next to Mr Gladstone, I thought that he was the cleverest man in England. But after sitting next to Mr Disraeli, I thought I was the cleverest woman in England.”

Disraeli possessed a quality that drew people to him and made them want to follow him.

He had charisma.

Many people think that charisma is some form of mystical quality, which is difficult to define and to develop and is only bestowed on few people.

For me, charisma is easy to define. It is the ability to generate enthusiasm and to attract and influence people. I believe with genuine desire and intention it is a quality that can be developed.

I use the following simple tips when coaching leaders who want to develop their charisma, have better engagement levels with people and a more positive impact on others:-

1. Be passionate about life and what you do – people love leaders that enjoy life, who have positive energy and enthusiasm, who celebrate success and are passionate about what they do.

2. Believe in people’s potential – see the good in people, appreciate the talents and qualities of people and encourage people to express their talents, play to their strengths and be the very best they can be.

3. Become a great listener – the way to really help people to feel valued and important, is to make them feel heard. To listen totally and authentically to them without interruption and to be fully present when they are talking to you.

4. Share yourself – Leaders that share their insights, lessons, wisdom and resources freely with the intention of helping others develop and flourish are valued and appreciated. They have more energised and engaged people working for them.

5. Give people hope – Napoleon Bonaparte characterized leaders as “dealers in hope.” Like all great leaders he knew that hope is the greatest of all possessions. If you can paint a positive vision and be the person who bestows the gift of hope on others, they will be attracted to you and will be forever grateful.

This week, why not take a few moments to reflect and think the one step that you can take to have a more positive impact on others.

Quote for the week:

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us” Wilma Rudolph

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk