How to Become a Magnetic Leader

Key Takeaways:

• Maximize your personal interactions.
• Elevate the performance of all.

Throughout our careers, most of us have come in contact with those rare individuals who seem to have it all.  You know the type of person I’m talking about: Their careers seem to flourish, they’re always on top of their game and we always feel better about ourselves whenever we spend time with them.

No matter what else is going in our world, when these special people show up and spend even a few moments of time with us, we feel so much better about ourselves. Their mere presence causes a rush of adrenaline (this will be important to remember), our enthusiasm for life soars, our overall outlook improves and we are reminded of our own value and importance. 

What is it about these people that consistently cause us to react so positively?

While some people are just naturally charismatic, if we take the time to compare and contrast these special souls, we will find some common traits that seem to be prevalent in all.

The first and foremost is these people live in the moment and they have learned to focus 100% of their being on the moment at hand. One of the reasons we respond so positively to these folks is that they have an innate ability to make us feel as if we are the most important element in their universe at that moment in time. They look us directly in the eye, they usually have a genuine smile on their face and often exude enthusiasm.

When talking to us, they almost invariably mention something that is unique to our personal talent and persona. They genuinely compliment us on a part of our character that they know we value and are proud of. This very often causes that release of endorphins in our systems — bringing with it a flood of great feelings.

So, whenever we see and interact with them, we have a physical response that gives us a wonderful warm feeling, we feel better about ourselves and where we are in life, and in this state, we are so much more likely to want to be agreeable and please them. Is it possible in some small way we are addicted to them or to this feeling we always get when in their presence? More importantly, is this intentional on their part and a structured element to how they approach business?

Endorphins are defined as hormone-like substances that are produced in the brain. These are the chemicals that make you feel good and are also the body’s natural painkillers. If every time we interact with a specific person, and they are always enthusiastic, and we always feel better about ourselves and we get a really great warm all over feeling, we are certainly experiencing a physical reaction. Over time, as this feeling and experience becomes ingrained our psyche, we associate this great feeling with that person. And we may at some point even long for it.

A question to consider is “What effect do we routinely have on people we interact with? Do they feel better about who they are and what they do as a result of having spent a few moments in our presence?

Probably the most important question” “If not, why not?”

The feeling that we leave people with, even after brief and momentary interactions, speaks volumes of our ability to elevate those around us. It also has a substantial impact on our ability to make significant contributions to all that we are involved in.  

Taking the time to really analyze how you are received by people you interact with can be the first step to making monumental progress in your ability to become a real game changer. Give this serious consideration. As a whole, after spending a few moments with us, does the experience have a positive effect on them?

Be brutally honest in your assessment. Do they feel better about themselves and the job they are doing? Do they feel indifferent, or do they feel worse about themselves? The answer to this question will have a profound impact on your long-term success.

In the final analysis, the onus is on you to ensure it is a positive experience. Develop the habit of creating these positive interactions, and talented people will in a way become addicted to wanting to interact with you and always perform at their highest level.