The Charisma Myth Book Summary - The Charisma Myth Book explained in key points
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The Charisma Myth summary

Olivia Fox Cabane

How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism

4.2 (389 ratings)
23 mins
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    The Charisma Myth
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    Charisma is good for you: it makes for success in all areas of your life.

    Charismatic people have a great impact on others; they're charming, persuasive and impressive – all without any apparent effort. They lead more successful lives, too. Compared with the average person, charismatic people are more attractive, higher earners and less stressed.

    It's unsurprising, then, that charisma gives you an advantage in the business world. It gets people to like and trust you, and to follow your leadership. Whether you're applying for a new job or trying to get ahead in your current one, charisma can help you to excel.

    Indeed, studies have revealed that the workplace performance of charismatic people is rated very highly by their co-workers. One researcher observed that followers of charismatic leaders were strongly committed to their leaders' mission, often exceeding their official duties and even making significant sacrifices in their personal lives.

    But charisma is beneficial not just in business; it can also help in other professions and in education.

    For example, charisma can help high school students perform brilliantly in college interviews, or win student elections. It also helps them to become socially confident, and thus more popular among their peers.

    As for professionals, charismatic academics find it much easier to get their research published and funded, and get to teach the courses they want to. Similarly, charismatic physicians are very popular with their patients, who are more likely to follow their medical advice and less likely to sue, should anything go wrong.

    We can see the benefits of charisma outside the professional arena, too. Stay-at-home mothers, for example, must charm and influence all kinds of people: their children, school teachers and other community members.

    Charisma, then, is for everyone, not just leaders or business people. From stay-at-home moms to students to physicians, charisma can help people lead happier, healthier, more successful lives. And the good news is that anyone can be charismatic. How? Keep reading to find out.

    Charisma is good for you: it makes for success in all areas of your life.

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    What is The Charisma Myth about?

    The Charisma Myth (2013) defies the popular notion that charisma is inherited, arguing instead that everyone can cultivate their own charisma, and in doing so can have a more positive attitude, find more success, and handle obstacles more successfully.

    Using wide-ranging examples of charismatic people, from state leaders to CEOs to employees, the book also outlines the different styles of charisma and how to practice demonstrating each, and offers some useful tools and exercises with which to improve their psychological well-being.

    Who should read The Charisma Myth?

    • Anyone who wants to know what constitutes charisma
    • Anyone who wants to learn how to become more charismatic

    About the Author

    Olivia Fox Cabane is an expert in charisma and leadership. She is currently Director of Innovative Leadership for the Stanford StartX program, and has worked with the leaders of Fortune 500 companies, assisting them in becoming more persuasive, influential and inspiring. Olivia is often featured in media such as the New York Times, Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal. She also writes regularly for Forbes

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