Discovering the IT Factor Within You

Discovering the IT Factor Within You: Developing Your Charismatic Personality, Leesa Rowland, Kismet Publishing, 2015

Whenever a person like Oprah or Bill Clinton enters a room, people are drawn to them like a magnet. Why? Were they born that way? Do they have "good genes"? Is it a case of "you either got it (charisma) or you don't"? Can charisma be learned by the rest of us? That's what this book is all about.

There are several qualities that help make a person charismatic. Among them are: being open to change; developing good taste, whether in art, literature or clothing; staying humble; being approachable; improving eye contact and listening to others with your full attention (like there is no one else in the room at that moment).

The first step to developing charisma is to take a long, hard look inside yourself. If you are the sort of person who makes racist or sexist remarks (even if you intend them as a joke), or yell at the neighborhood kids to get off your lawn, then you have some work to do. After that, keep a positive attitude, stand up straight, be flexible, be confident, treat people like they want to be treated, don't compare yourself to others, and realize that charisma comes from the inside, so don't worry if you aren't the most attractive person in the room.

The author looks at the connections between spirituality and charisma, love and charisma and karma and charisma. Is it possible for animals to be charismatic? Can a person be charismatic at work? Concentrate on your body language (stand up straight). Look like a leader (dress appropriately for the message you want to convey). There is nothing wrong with dressing like a VP when your company's dress code is jeans and t-shirts. Influence people by really listening. Sometimes, what you don't say is more important than what you do say. Also, show that you have the ability to think outside the box.

This is a gem of a book. It is full of tips to help people from all walks of life. Anyone who cannot find just one helpful idea in this book is in serious trouble. It is very much worth reading for everyone.