Using Charisma to Climb the Corporate Ladder

Charles Dickens in "A tale of Two Cities' said, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…Dickens' words have become the mantra in a contemporary society where citizens are forced to face reality. The stakes are high, the strong survive and the sanguine truth is that individuals who possess the ability to inspire, motivate and empower others are more successful, wealthier and better connected than those with mere technical ability. Surprised? You shouldn't be! Charisma is one of the last bastions in society that has been unscathed in a serious attempt to understand its precepts as well as its influence. History is replete with individuals who used charisma as a tool to further their aim (whether for evil or good intentions) from Adolph Hitler to Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Core Edge Image & Charisma Institute defines charisma as the creating of illusions that impact the emotional and psyche of others through flair, finesse and glib language. Illusions? The politically correct response for those deemed charismatic is to feign modesty by acting as if their affect on others is mere coincidence. Their ability to put forth ideas with passion and conviction is readily accepted by the minions who help bring these visions to manifestation. It is a philosophy of life cultivated through concerted effort. The best at conjuring up this magic are the ones destined for the executive suite. In these recessive and volatile times, those possessing charisma will be better positioned within their companies and be paid a premium for their skills. You can begin using charisma to climb the corporate ladder by:

· Rising above the fray of office politicsWith a greater propensity for layoffs and restructuring, employees go into crisis mode creating a climate of desperation. Victims jockey for alliances based on self-interest with attempts to attach their cart to a star performer. In such situations, you should maintain a state of neutrality by staying committed to the corporate mission and objectives. This "staying the course" will heighten the interest of upper management to your abilities and make you the "go to" person when opportunities arise. Remaining calm and collected while everyone else is panicking is the sure sign of a seasoned professional.

· Making friends with influential peopleIncrease your social capital by developing relationships with people who are decision-makers. Corporate America as a microcosm of the world thrives on loyalty and trust. Exemplifying a high degree of integrity coupled with the ability to inspire others through empathy, affords you a place that only a few will occupy. While people are multifaceted, they are often one-dimensional in their execution. Upward mobility is in tandem with gaining the favor of those in power.

A global economy in the Information Age has made the world much more competitive. However, the components that shape corporate ascension have not changed. In this era, personality, persistence and corporate savvy rules the day. For those looking to climb the corporate ladder, It is the best of times, it is the worst of times that create opportunity. Corporations can generally find people to get the job done. The challenge is raising corporate aspirations to the next level during times of crisis.