Charisma and empathy are two crucial traits that can take your leadership skills to the next level. Together, they form a powerful duo that helps a leader build influence, gain trust and inspire those around them. However, many people have questions about these qualities. Is charisma something you are born with or can you learn it? What does being an empathetic leader look like in everyday life? The question is how we define and develop these skills in the world of work. In this blog post, we will explain what charisma and empathy mean in a leadership context, why they are important and how to foster them. We’ll explore what characterises charismatic leaders – and what you can do to develop these skills – so that you can strengthen your own leadership personality. At the end, you will receive practical tips that will enable you to lead with heart and presence and reap the benefits of this combination.

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What is charisma in leadership?

Charisma is often described as a magnetic quality – a combination of charm, power, energy and persuasiveness that captivates others. In leadership, charisma is the ability to inspire and motivate people in favour of a vision or message. We all recognise charismatic people when we meet them: they radiate self-confidence and an authentic presence. Charismatic people exude a certain aura; for example, they can radiate calm and confidence even under pressure, making others feel secure and trusting. They are often great communicators who skilfully use rhetoric and the spoken word to articulate an innovative or visionary idea. Think of leaders like Barack Obama who could command a room with his speeches. Such leaders come across as enthusiastic and authentic, making their persuasiveness seem natural and not forced.

Charisma factors can include your body language, your tone of voice, your confidence and your warmth. It’s not just about what you say, but also how you say it and present yourself. Your body language plays a big part – standing tall, maintaining an open posture, keeping eye contact and smiling genuinely are all signals that make you appear confident and approachable. A charismatic leader often radiates vitality and joie de vivre. They appear focussed and balanced and give the impression that they are in control without losing their cool. It is important that truly charismatic leaders are authentic: They mean what they say. Authenticity gives charisma depth. If you try to fake charisma, people will notice. A key factor that contributes to charisma is competence – being knowledgeable in your field. If you talk about something with expertise and passion, people will listen. This expertise combined with warmth creates that ‘magic’ mix. In fact, part of this charisma comes from within: When you are in tune with your own feelings and values, you get an inner confidence that radiates outwards. This inner confidence and clarity is what makes charismatic leaders so compelling.

The good news is that charisma can be measured and improved in certain behaviours. It is not an indescribable magic trick reserved for a lucky few. Researchers and leadership consultants have identified certain habits that build more charisma. For example, storytelling in your communication, open and positive body language that exudes confidence, and active listening (yes, listening can make you charismatic because it makes others feel valued!). Even something as simple as speaking more slowly and clearly can make you sound more confident and commanding – a classic trait of charisma. Essentially, charisma in leadership is about making a positive impact through a mixture of confidence, enthusiasm and excellent communication. It is about power and energy balanced with approachability.

The role of empathy in effective leadership

If charisma is the art of inspiring others, then empathy is the art of understanding others. In leadership, empathy means truly feeling for people – understanding their emotions, needs and perspectives. An empathetic leader cares not only about tasks and goals, but also about team morale and individual well-being. Put simply, empathy means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. You ask yourself: ‘How would I feel if I were in their shoes?’ and do it for them (act with compassion according to this understanding).

Empathy is an essential component of emotional intelligence and social skills. Leaders with a high level of empathy often have a very good feel for people. They can sense the mood in a room or the unspoken concerns of a dialogue partner in a conversation. These empathetic people listen actively and attentively. If someone on their team is upset or facing a challenge, an empathetic leader will acknowledge these feelings (‘I understand that you’re frustrated’ or ‘It sounds like you’re really passionate about this idea’) before moving on to problem-solving. This makes people feel heard and valued. Empathic people often have a high level of sensitivity – they can be naturally sensitive people – which enables them to recognise subtle cues that others might miss. Whilst high sensitivity can sometimes be overwhelming, in leadership it can be a strength if it is well balanced, as it means you can feel people’s emotions and respond appropriately.

Empathy in leadership offers many benefits. It builds trusting relationships because team members feel that their leader is genuinely interested in them as people. This trust leads to loyalty and openness. An employee is more likely to voice a concern or share a creative idea if they believe their manager will respond with understanding rather than prejudice. Empathy also improves communication – if you can put yourself in someone’s shoes, you adapt your approach to the person or target group you are dealing with. In customer service or sales, for example, empathy means that you listen to the customer’s concerns and address them sincerely. The customer feels respected, and that often leads to more success in solving problems or closing deals. In the workplace, leaders who demonstrate empathy tend to foster inclusive, supportive cultures. This leads to higher engagement and productivity – people work better when they feel respected and understood.

Finally, empathy helps leaders make better decisions. A purely analytical leader might make a decision that looks good on paper but demoralises the team. An empathetic leader makes decisions that consider the human impact. They strive for solutions that are not only efficient and logical, but also fair and compassionate. This does not mean that an empathetic leader is a pushover – quite the opposite. It means that they harmonise head and heart. They use analytical reasoning and their gut feeling in relation to their employees. When it comes to exercising power, an empathetic mindset reminds a leader that their decisions affect real people. Indeed, empathy acts as a control mechanism against excessive use of authority. In leadership, the less autocratic or excessive someone uses their power, the stronger the support and loyalty they earn from others. People willingly follow leaders who look after them. Empathy creates a climate of compassion and respect that is ideal for long-term success.

Why charisma and empathy are a powerful combination

Charisma and empathy may seem like different traits – one is about attraction and the other is about compassion – but together they create a leadership style that is both inspiring and approachable. Many of the truly great leaders combine both. They have the ability to light a fire in people’s hearts and make those people feel understood.

If you have charisma without empathy, you may inspire people at first, but over time you may be perceived as self-centred or inauthentic. People may follow you for your charm, but they may not feel personally valued, and this can lead to mistrust or short-lived loyalty. However, if you have empathy without charisma, you will certainly be liked and trusted, but you may find it difficult to mobilise people or get them to act; your leadership may lack a motivational spark. Therefore, the ideal goal is to combine the two. Charisma gives you the stage presence and persuasiveness to attract attention and communicate a vision, while empathy ensures that you use this influence in a benevolent way that truly responds to people’s needs. Empathy ensures that charisma remains grounded and authentic.

A charismatic, empathetic leader can both inspire the team with a compelling vision and appear focussed and balanced when addressing individual concerns. For example, such a leader might share an exciting goal for the next quarter with great enthusiasm (and show charisma by getting everyone excited about the mission). Then he might meet one-on-one with a team member who is struggling, listen attentively and show compassion (demonstrate empathy). This combination makes others feel motivated and supported. It’s no surprise that teams led by charismatic and empathetic leaders tend to be highly engaged and high performing. These leaders create an environment of calm and security, even when pursuing ambitious goals – a balance that leads to confident, loyal teams.

In addition, the combination of charisma and empathy leads to more effective leadership. When people trust you and feel inspired by you, they are willing to go the extra mile. You don’t have to waste time on damage limitation in the event of morale problems or misunderstandings because you have created a solid basis of trust. Communication goes better: a charismatically delivered message attracts attention, and an empathetic tone of voice ensures that the message is received in good faith. That’s a recipe for a positive impact that lasts. In the long run (long term), leaders who balance these traits often see more success and loyalty from their teams than those who rely solely on charisma or solely on empathy. Simply put, charisma gets people to listen, empathy gets people to engage and follow through.

Characteristics of charismatic people (and how to develop them)

Now that we know how valuable charisma is, let’s break down some common traits of charismatic people and how you can cultivate them. Remember, charisma isn’t an on/off switch – it’s a set of behaviours and traits that you can practice. Here are some key elements that make someone charismatic, with tips on how to develop each one:

• Confident body language: charismatic people often have confident, open body language. They stand tall (think upright posture), relax their shoulders and hold their head high. They make eye contact and use natural gestures. To develop this, practise paying attention to how you present yourself. Spread your arms apart (crossed arms can signal defence) and try to radiate positive energy through your posture. Even if you don’t feel 100% confident, striking a power pose or simply smiling can boost your confidence over time. Remember that your non-verbal signals speak louder than words.

• Clear communication: Charismatic leaders are articulate and appear focussed when they speak. They choose stories or examples that resonate with their audience. To improve, work on your rhetoric and speaking skills. This may mean rehearsing before a big presentation or simply speaking more slowly to avoid filler words. Also, practice clear communication by getting to the point without digressing. When you’re clear and engaging, you’re more likely to hold people’s attention. A handy tip is to speak as if you were talking to a friend – this will keep your tone warm and authentic while still getting your message across.

• Authenticity and warmth: People with charisma are often described as sincere or authentic. They show enthusiasm for their ideas and also show genuine interest in others. To achieve this, you should work on harmonising your words and actions. Don’t say things you don’t mean just to impress – instead, emphasise things you truly believe in. A little vulnerability can also increase authenticity; for example, admitting you don’t know something or telling a short personal story to illustrate a point. Also, practice showing warmth by giving praise when it’s deserved, or by simply being fully present in conversations (no talking on the phone or looking over someone’s shoulder). Small gestures such as remembering people’s names or asking about their weekend can make you more likeable and charismatic.

• Optimism and passion: Charismatic leaders often exude a zest for life – a passionate, optimistic attitude. They focus on possibilities and solutions rather than problems. Cultivate this by consciously reframing negative thoughts. For example, instead of thinking: ‘This project is so challenging that we might fail’, try: ‘This project is difficult, but it’s a chance to innovate and learn – how exciting!’ Find aspects of your work that really excite you and talk about them. Your enthusiasm will be contagious. It’s not about being blindly cheerful; it’s about showing energy and hope, even when you’re struggling. This positive attitude attracts people because it makes them feel encouraged and motivated.

• Vision and storytelling: Many charismatic people are visionaries – they have a clear idea of where they want to go and they know how to communicate this vision in a compelling way. They use storytelling, vivid examples and sometimes even humour to get their ideas across. To get better at this, practice painting the ‘big picture’ when you speak. Don’t just give dry facts – explain the ‘why’ behind your ideas and use anecdotes. For example, when presenting a new strategy to your team, you could tell a short story about a customer experience that illustrates why the change is necessary. This will make your message relatable and memorable. Over time, developing a narrative or vision that others can get excited about will greatly increase your charisma.

By focusing on these areas – body language, communication, authenticity, optimism and vision – you can add charisma to your leadership style. Remember, charismatic leaders are not about being the loudest or most outgoing person in the room. It’s about connecting with others in a way that inspires them. You can be a quiet person and still have immense charisma through your sincerity and passion. It all starts so that you are aware of how you come across to others and ensure that this aligns with your best strengths and values.

Empathy in action: How to become an empathetic leader

Just like charisma, empathy is a skill that you can develop through practice. Being empathetic doesn’t mean you have to be a sensitive soul who deeply feels everyone’s pain at all times; it means cultivating habits of understanding and compassion in your daily interactions. Here are some ways you can put empathy into action as a leader:

• Active listening: This is the foundation of empathy. When someone is talking to you – whether it’s a team member with a problem or a customer with feedback – give them your full attention. This means listening to understand, not just to respond. Nod, make affirmative sounds (‘I see’, ‘I understand’) and concentrate on what the other person is saying without interrupting them. When the other person has finished, summarise what you have heard: ‘If I understand you correctly, you feel overwhelmed by the new process, is that right?’ This shows that you really want to understand. It’s amazing how much people open up when they feel heard. Active listening in every interaction signals that you value the other person and their perspective.

• Ask open-ended questions: To get to the heart of a person’s needs or feelings, ask questions that invite them to share more. Instead of asking, ‘Did you get that done?’ you could ask, ‘How do you feel about the project? Do you need support?” Open-ended questions (what, how, tell me more about it…) encourage dialogue and show that you are interested in the person’s experience. They also help you to gather information to really understand situations from their perspective. For example, in a one-to-one meeting you could say: ‘The question is, what can we do to better manage your workload?’ This not only shows empathy, but also involves the person in finding a solution.

• Acknowledge emotions: Empathy is not just about logical understanding, but also about acknowledging emotions. If a team member is frustrated, it helps to say something like, ‘I can imagine how frustrating that must be, and I’m sorry you’re having to deal with it.’ If they are excited about an idea, share that excitement: ‘That’s a great idea, I love your enthusiasm!’ These small moments of affirmation make people feel seen. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything; it just means that you recognise their feelings as legitimate. This creates an environment where there is trust and where people feel confident to speak up.

• Consider the impact of decisions on people: We touched on this earlier – an empathetic leader involves people in their decisions. In practice, this could mean that before implementing a change, you stop and think: ‘How will this change affect the day-to-day life of the team? Have I addressed their concerns? Have I explained the why?” It could also mean involving people in the process: Asking them for input or feedback before the decision is finalised so that they have a sense of ownership. When change is inevitable (e.g. budget cuts or reorganisations), an empathetic leader delivers the news with transparency and compassion and actively helps those affected to adjust. They don’t hide in their office, but go out, talk to people, answer questions and show that they care.

• Self-care and detachment: This may sound a little contradictory, but to be consistently empathetic, you also need to look after yourself. Self-care is important so that you don’t burn out or become overwhelmed by the problems of others. Empathy requires emotional energy. Make sure you have your own support system and stress relief practices (exercise, hobbies, mentoring, etc.). Also, set healthy boundaries for yourself – being empathetic doesn’t mean you have to solve everyone’s personal problems or be available 24/7. It’s okay to be compassionate while setting boundaries (e.g. ‘I understand you need help with this; let’s make an appointment tomorrow to discuss this in detail’ rather than immediately dropping everything). If you keep yourself in balance, you will have more emotional capacity to be there for others in the long term.

Essentially, empathy as a leader is about consistently standing up for your employees. It’s about creating a culture where people feel for each other – because you model this behaviour. Interestingly, empathy can also make your leadership more innovative. When team members feel safe and understood, they are more willing to share creative ideas and take risks because they know their leader has their back. So not only does empathy feel good on a human level, it also contributes directly to a more open, innovative and collaborative workplace.

Communicating with charisma and empathy

Communication is the area where charisma and empathy often meet. Every time you speak to someone – whether you’re addressing your team in a meeting or chatting to a business partner or customer – you have the opportunity to practise both traits. This will ensure that your communication style reflects a charismatic and empathetic leadership style:

• Know your audience (and your target audience): A charismatic communicator tailors their message to their audience, and an empathetic communicator considers the audience’s perspective. Before you communicate, think about who you are talking to. Is it your team of direct reports? Upper management? A customer or client? A group of new hires? Adjust your tone and content accordingly. For example, if you’re talking to your team about a new project, you can emphasise how exciting it is (enthusiasm for inspiration), but also acknowledge that it can be challenging and that you’re there to support them (empathy for their concerns). When addressing a client or business partner, you can use more formal language but still show empathy by addressing their needs (‘We understand the importance of this investment to your business and will treat it with the utmost care’). If you keep the target group in mind, your communication will be well received.

• Convince with stories and passion: Storytelling is not only a charisma tool, but also shows empathy by creating a connection on a human level. When you tell a relevant anecdote or example, you invite people to get emotionally involved. This can be much more effective than simply presenting facts and figures. For example, instead of just saying, ‘Our service improves customer loyalty,’ you could add, ‘I remember a scenario in customer service where a customer was about to leave us, but because we took the time to listen to him and solve his problem, he not only stayed, but publicly praised our company. That showed me how far empathy can go in service.” A story like this shows your passion and also signals how important it is to understand the customer’s experience. It gets your point across and touches hearts and minds.

• Be present and attentive: Charismatic leaders often have a talent for making the person they are talking to feel like they are the most important person in the room. This is where empathy inspires charisma. When someone is talking to you, concentrate on that person. Avoid distractions. Use active listening – nod, make eye contact and ask follow-up questions. This presence is noticeable. It makes your interactions memorable because the other person feels valued. For example, if a coworker approaches you in the hallway to share an idea, you can stop, turn your full attention to the coworker and give them a few minutes of undivided attention. Even if you’re busy, a response like ‘That sounds interesting, let’s schedule an appointment 15 minutes later today so I can give you my full attention’ shows respect. Every interaction like this reinforces your reputation as a leader who cares about their employees.

• Ensure clear communication with warmth: It’s important to be clear and concise (it’s hard to be charismatic when you beat around the bush confusingly). However, clarity should not come at the expense of warmth. Add kind words and appreciation where appropriate. For example, in an email giving feedback on a report, a charismatic and empathetic approach would be: ‘Thank you for the effort you have put into this report. 👏 The analysis is very detailed (great job!). I have a few suggestions to make it even better …” – You start positively, which shows appreciation, and then give constructive feedback. Even if you have to give harsh feedback or reject something, do so with empathy: acknowledge the effort or the feelings involved. People are much more receptive to advice or even criticism when they feel respected.

• Adapt and be intuitive: Communication is not one-size-fits-all. Charismatic people often have an intuitive sense of what is going on in a room. If you are in a team meeting and notice that people look confused, an empathetic, charismatic leader will spontaneously adapt: ‘I sense some confusion – and that’s okay. Let’s take a break and I’ll clarify that last point. Feel free to ask questions.” This simple adjustment shows that you are attuned to your audience. If a normally engaged colleague is unusually quiet, you can gently prompt, ‘Alex, I’d love to hear your thoughts if you feel comfortable sharing them.’ This invites him in and shows that you are aware of and interested in his contribution. By being intuitive and flexible, you prove that you’re not just reading off a script – you’re really communicating with people, not at them.

Strive for an ideal balance in every communication: be strong and clear about your message (that’s the charismatic part) and kind and understanding about the way it’s received (that’s the empathetic part). With practice, this balance will become second nature to you. You will be perceived as a leader who exudes confidence and also offers psychological safety in conversation – a combination that promotes openness, trust and often more productive dialogue.

Balancing power and empathy in leadership decisions

Leadership often means exercising power – making decisions, setting direction and sometimes delivering unpleasant news. How can you be a strong decision-maker and still remain empathetic? Charismatic leaders know how to exude authority, but empathetic leaders win hearts. The sweet spot lies in balance and awareness.

When exercising power, remember that the less you rely on force or hierarchy, the more your team’s respect and loyalty will grow. A charismatic, empathetic leader does not need to overly insist on their rank or micromanage to maintain their authority. Instead, their team follows them out of trust and admiration. For example, instead of saying, ‘Do this because I said so,’ you’ll have more success if you say, ‘Let me explain why this decision is important, and I welcome your thoughts on how to implement it.’ By asking for input, you don’t lose authority – you strengthen buy-in. People respect that you value their perspective.

When it comes to making difficult decisions, present your reasoning clearly and transparently (as best you can). Clear communication is key here. If a decision is going to disappoint people, don’t hide from it. Admit it: ‘I know this is not the outcome some of you were hoping for and I understand why you are disappointed.’ This shows empathy. Then clearly explain the reasons: ‘Given the data and our current resources, this is the path that will ensure our long-term stability.’ This clarity is appreciated; it treats team members like adults who can deal with reality when it is communicated respectfully.

Ideally, a benevolent tone should be combined with a firm stance. Being empathetic doesn’t mean never saying no or avoiding confrontation. It means that when you assert your position, you do so with respect. You could use firm but kind wording, such as, ‘I have to be honest, I can’t agree to this budget increase, and I know that’s not what you wanted to hear. Let’s talk about how we can make progress with the resources we have, and I’m here to support you in that.’ Here you are not deviating from the decision, but you are showing that you are concerned about how this is affecting the person and offering help in moving forward. With this approach, you maintain your authority as a leader while keeping relationships intact.

Another important aspect is consistency. Charismatic leadership can sometimes run the risk of coming across as performative if it is not supported by consistent empathetic behaviour. For example, if you give a rousing, inspiring speech about the company’s values (charisma) but then fail to listen when employees raise concerns (lack of empathy), trust is broken. Make sure your charismatic moments (such as public speaking, big meetings, appearances on podcasts, etc.) match your empathetic actions in private interactions. People notice when the ‘public me’ and the ‘private me’ are different. Consistency creates a reputation as a trustworthy leader.

Last but not least: Pay attention to your ego. Charisma can inflate a leader’s ego if they bask in admiration and forget to remain humble. Empathy is a natural antidote to ego because it focuses on others. Encourage your team to give feedback and even criticism. If someone points out a mistake you’ve made or disagrees with you, thank them for their honesty – that’s empathy and humility in action. It shows that you prioritise the truth and the well-being of the team over always being ‘right’. Charismatic leaders are often self-confident, but the best ones remain humble and benevolent because they understand that leadership is a service, not a right. Keep asking yourself, ‘How will my team feel about this?’ and ‘What outcome do we need?’ By addressing both questions, you create a balance between strength and caring.

Examples of charismatic, empathetic leadership

Sometimes it helps to look at real-world examples to see how charisma and empathy work together. We mentioned Barack Obama earlier – he is often cited as a leader who epitomises both traits. If you watch his speeches, you see the charisma: the confident demeanour, the rhythmic spoken word, the visionary messages of hope (one of his campaigns was literally themed ‘Hope’). But when you also observe how he interacted with ordinary people – taking time to shake hands, hug supporters and comfort individuals who asked him questions about personal problems – that’s the empathy. He read ten letters from citizens every day to stay in touch with people’s real problems. This combination made him not only respected, but genuinely loved by many. Charismatic people exude confidence, but the truly great ones, like Obama, also exude compassion and security.

Take business leaders: Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, is often praised for his empathetic leadership style. When he took over Microsoft, he initiated a much-needed cultural shift towards collaboration and empathy. He fostered a growth mindset among employees (essentially, ‘It’s okay to fail, let’s learn from it’), which made people feel confident to innovate. At the same time, he articulated a clear vision for the company’s future (e.g. focusing on cloud technology) and brought people together to achieve it. The company’s success under his leadership – both morally and financially – is a testament to how effective the mix of empathy and charisma can be. Nadella may not be a flashy, bombastic personality, but he has a quiet charisma; employees describe him as someone who listens attentively and appears focused and poised, which in turn inspires them to follow his lead.

Another example: Imagine a sales team leader who regularly tops the sales charts and has a loyal team that stays with him year after year. If you look into the reasons why, you may find that this leader leads high-energy sales meetings that motivate everyone (charisma at work) and that they take the time to mentor each salesperson and empathise with their personal goals and challenges (empathy at work). Her team knows that she will stand up for them if a deal goes wrong or a customer becomes difficult. Because she makes everyone feel supported, they give their best, fuelled by her example and the knowledge that she has their back. As a result, her team often outperforms others. Often, more trust and loyalty leads to better results.

Outside of formal leadership, think of a colleague or friend you know who has the magnetic ability to inspire others, as well as the kindness to be there for people. You probably have a personal leadership personality based on both charisma and empathy. They may be the person who speaks up confidently in meetings and colleagues turn to them when they need a sympathetic ear. These ‘natural leaders’ show that charisma and empathy are not mutually exclusive – in fact, they offer advantages that set them apart when combined. They are the people who can bring a team together in times of crisis andhold the team together through stressful moments with a unifying, understanding approach.

If you’re looking for resources to see these traits in action or learn more about them, you can listen to a leadership podcast or read biographies of leaders known for their strong interpersonal skills. Many leadership consultants also share stories of leaders who have transformed organisations through a more empathetic, charismatic leadership style. The key takeaway from all these examples is that leadership is not just about strategy and decisiveness, but also about how you make others feel. People may forget what you said or did, but they won’t forget how you made them feel – that feeling has a lot of truth in leadership. Charisma makes people feel excited and hopeful; empathy makes people feel valued and understood. If you strive for both, you will be remembered as the kind of leader who has made a positive impact on both the organisation and its people.

Tips to help you build charisma and empathy

By now you understand the what and why of charisma and empathy in leadership. But how do you actually get more charisma and become more empathetic if these things don’t come naturally? Here are some practical tips to help you develop these skills. Remember, improvement comes from consistent practice. So try out some of these tips each week and make a note of the results:

• Get feedback from trusted colleagues: Sometimes we don’t know how we come across to others. Ask a trusted colleague or mentor how you can become more charismatic or empathetic. They could, for example, point out that you don’t smile much in meetings (which could lighten your presence) or that you sometimes only speak briefly (and thus miss the chance to listen). This outside perspective is worth its weight in gold for self-improvement. It may be uncomfortable, but charismatic, empathetic leaders are open to feedback.

• Observe role models: Pick a leader you admire for their charisma and empathy. This could be a famous person or someone from your own life, e.g. a former boss or a leader in the community. What do these people do that impresses you? Maybe you notice that charismatic people in your office always make sure to greet everyone in the morning, or that they approach conflict with a calm, reassuring tone. Maybe your mentor remembers little personal details about everyone (which shows they listen well). Make notes of these behaviours and try to emulate those that feel authentic to you. It’s not about copying mannerisms, but learning from good examples. Even listening to a podcast featuring an interview with a respected leader can reveal useful tips and ways of thinking.

• Practise public speaking (even in small doses): You don’t have to stand on a stage in front of thousands of people, but look for opportunities to speak in front of groups – whether it’s leading a team meeting, volunteering to present a project update, or speaking at an event. Public speaking is a classic way to build charisma because it forces you to work on clarity, tone of voice and audience engagement. Try incorporating a story or emotional element into your next presentation to practice how to connect with the audience. And then reflect afterwards: Did I inspire? Did I make a connection? Over time, these experiences will make you more confident in showing power and energy in front of others.

• Actively listen every day: Make a resolution to have a conversation every day where you really listen intently. This could be at work or in your private life. Practise the empathy skills discussed during this conversation: Ask questions, don’t interrupt and mirror feelings. This daily habit will strengthen your listening skills. You will naturally listen more often and people will notice. You’ll be surprised at how a colleague reacts when you remember the topic they mentioned yesterday and ask about it, or when you summarise their point in a meeting and say, ‘I think Jane means [X], and that’s an important point.’ At such moments, you stand out as a considerate communicator.

• Work on your storytelling: stories are powerful. Practise telling short, relevant stories to make a point. These can be personal anecdotes or something you heard that stuck in your mind. For example, instead of just saying, ‘Teamwork is important,’ you could add, ‘I remember on my last project, we were only able to meet our tight deadline because two team members stayed late to help me troubleshoot – that kind of teamwork not only solved the problem, but also built trust that carried us through the rest of the project.’ This story shows passion and appreciation for others – it combines charisma (a compelling story) and empathy (recognising the help of others). You can also practice storytelling in casual situations or while writing. Over time, you will have a treasure trove of short stories that you can draw on in leadership situations.

• Pay attention to your self-talk: This is more of an internal tip. How you talk to yourself can affect how you come across externally. If you constantly doubt yourself or focus on the negative, it’s difficult to appear confident or be patient with others. Practise a positive but realistic inner voice. For example, before a difficult conversation, instead of saying, ‘They won’t listen to me,’ tell yourself, ‘I have valuable points to share, and I will also listen with an open mind.’ By coaching yourself with empathy and self-confidence, you prepare yourself to show these qualities outwardly as well. Self-compassion (inward empathy) is also important; if you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, think: ‘I’m human and I’m learning – what can I do better next time?’ This attitude will keep your morale and enthusiasm high, which in turn will boost your charismatic appeal.

• Develop social awareness: Charisma and empathy both benefit from paying attention to social cues. Make a habit of scanning the room during meetings or reading facial expressions and body language during conversations. If you say something in a meeting and notice a colleague frowning or backing away, ask in a friendly manner: ‘I noticed a hesitation; do you have a different opinion? I’m keen to hear it.” By addressing these signals, you are showing empathy (you have recognised their emotions) and self-confidence (you are not afraid to ask for criticism). Social mindfulness also means celebrating others – good work or recognition should be recognised quickly. A charismatic leader doesn’t take the spotlight, but shines it on the team, also showing empathy by recognising the contributions of others.

As you implement these tips, you will gradually become more charismatic and empathetic. It won’t be an overnight transformation – think of it as a journey of continuous growth. Be analytical about what works for you: You may find that your posture and voice improve as you practice public speaking (charisma boost!), or that your team responds very well when you validate their concerns (empathy boost!). Ideally, you should track your progress, e.g. in a diary or by checking in with a trusted colleague every few months to get feedback. Developing leadership skills is a long-term endeavour, but every small step will bring some benefit. Not only will you have more success in motivating your team and achieving goals, but you’ll also build stronger and more meaningful relationships with the people you lead.

The benefits of leadership with charisma and empathy

Leading charismatically and empathetically isn’t just a matter of personal style – it has real, tangible benefits for your team and your organisation. Here’s what you can expect when you work to develop these traits:

• Higher team morale and engagement: teams led by charismatic and empathetic leaders tend to have higher morale. Why? Because team members feel valued, understood and inspired. They are not just cogs in a machine, but people with a mission and a leader who cares about them. This often leads to employees being willing to go above and beyond. They take responsibility for their work because they have a personal connection to the manager and the manager’s vision. High morale also means lower turnover – people stay if they like who they work for and believe in what they are working towards. In short, you encourage loyalty. And loyalty can be a huge benefit; loyal team members become advocates for you and the company.

• Improved collaboration and teamwork: When empathy is part of the team culture (which is shaped by the leader’s example), people tend to be more supportive of each other and work together. An empathetic leader often encourages team members to empathise with each other, creating a more benevolent and trusting team environment. Combine this with charisma – which often includes the ability to rally everyone around a common goal – and you get teams that function like well-oiled machines. Individuals communicate more openly (because they are not afraid of judgement), conflicts are resolved more constructively (because there is mutual respect) and there is a shared enthusiasm to tackle challenges together. Essentially, the behaviour of the manager sets the tone: Empathetic, charismatic leaders create small ripples that influence how everyone interacts with each other.

• Greater adaptability and innovation: A team that trusts its leader is more willing to adapt to change and take risks. Charisma helps you sell the vision of change (‘I believe this new direction will take us to exciting places!’), and empathy helps you support your team in the uncertainty of change (‘I know this is new for all of us; let’s discuss any concerns and find a solution together.’). This means faster buy-in to new initiatives and less resistance. When people feel safe (thanks to empathy) and motivated (thanks to charisma), they are also more willing to put forward innovative ideas. They know that their manager will listen and encourage creativity. Over time, this can lead to significant improvements, be it through optimised processes, creative problem solving or ground-breaking products. A charismatic leader provides the visionary spark and momentum, and an empathetic leader provides the supportive environment to realise innovation.

• Better relationships with customers and clients: The benefits are not just internal. A leader who values charisma and empathy often instils these values in the team’s interactions with clients or customers. In a customer service environment, for example, a team that is led with empathy will listen to customers and go out of their way to solve their problems, while charisma can lead to truly enthusiastic and committed service. Customers sense when a company’s representatives are motivated and care about their needs. This often leads to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. If you are in a customer-centric leadership role, showing empathy in negotiations or meetings with business partners (e.g. by understanding the customer’s pressures and tailoring your solution to help them) combined with charismatic confidence in your offerings can significantly improve outcomes such as deal closure and partnership longevity.

• Personal fulfilment and growth: Last but not least, it is fulfilling for you as a leader to lead with charisma and empathy. It feels good to see how your influence makes others happier and more successful. Instead of leadership feeling like a burden of authority, it becomes a meaningful exercise of positive influence. Not only are you achieving goals, but you are developing people and nurturing a culture. This sense of purpose can give you even more vitality and passion for your role. In addition, developing these skills makes you a better communicator, a better listener and often a better person overall – traits that carry over into all areas of life. Perhaps your relationships outside of work improve when you practice empathy, and your ability to inspire a crowd makes you the go-to choice for toasts at weddings or the local club coach. In other words, the strengths you develop when you become a charismatic, empathetic leader are real life skills.

In summary, a leadership style that combines charisma and empathy offers benefits that are felt at all levels of an organisation. It creates an environment that we describe as trusting and high performing. It is an environment where people know what they are working towards and why, where they look forward to coming to work and where they feel confident that their manager and team mates will support them. Such an atmosphere is fertile ground for achieving great things together. And remember that these benefits add up. The longer you lead in this way (long-term), the more these positive effects will deepen. Employees gain confidence and begin to exhibit these traits themselves, new leaders are mentored along the same lines and a legacy of positive leadership takes hold. That’s the big picture of success when you invest in charisma and empathy.

Conclusion: Building a legacy with charisma and empathy

Becoming a leader who can both inspire and show empathy is a journey, not a one-off task. It’s about continuous learning and self-awareness. However, the rewards are worth the effort – not only in terms of greater success at work, but also in terms of the human impact you make. When you lead with charisma and empathy, you create a legacy of positive relationships, strong teams and shared successes. People may not remember every project you led, but they will remember how you led them. As the saying goes, people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel about something.

So start where you are right now. You may feel that you are stronger in one area than another – that’s okay. Play to your strengths while you work on your weaknesses. If you are very empathetic but tend to be reserved, challenge yourself to take a step forward and share your vision or speak with more energy in your voice. If you are very charismatic but sometimes overlook personal connections, slow down and practice these tips on listening and empathy. Leadership is a balancing act, and no one is perfect. If you are mindful and purposeful, you can grow tremendously.

Remember that both charisma and empathy come from the same foundation: paying attention to people. Charisma pays attention to how people feel about you (so that you can tune in to motivate them), and empathy pays attention to how people feel about themselves (so that you can respond with care). In a way, both traits require you to be outwardly orientated and attentive. They require emotional intelligence. As you hone these, you’ll find that these traits often reinforce each other. The more often you practice empathy, the more naturally your charisma will shine (because your approachability will increase), and the more often you practice charisma, the easier it will be to use it as a vehicle for empathetic messaging (e.g., rallying people to support a teammate, not just reaching a number).

Finally, don’t be afraid to be visionary in your pursuit of growth. Imagine the kind of leader you want to be in a year, in five years, in ten years. Maybe you see yourself as someone that employees will speak positively about: ‘She was strict, but we knew she cared,’ or ‘He had this way of getting everyone excited about even the most boring projects and was always there when you needed help.’ Keep this vision in mind. The stronger your vision is for yourself, the less you will be swayed by momentary doubts. Stay focussed and balanced along the way.

In conclusion, I would like to say that charisma and empathy are not opposing qualities, but complement each other. Together they make you not only a leader, but a leader who inspires change and influences people in a meaningful way. When you integrate both into your leadership style, you create an engaged team, a healthy work culture and a leadership legacy you can be proud of. So go ahead – work your charisma magic, listen carefully and watch how you can transform not only your own leadership, but also the lives and careers of those you lead. Here’s to your journey to becoming a truly charismatic and empathetic leader!

A leader who exudes confidence with a warm handshake and symbolises the blend of charisma and empathy to forge strong, trusting partnerships.

🧠 FAQ: Charisma, empathy and leadership – plain language on frequently asked questions

What is charisma?

Charisma is the ability to move people emotionally – through charisma, inner clarity and social impact. It can be seen in the way someone presents themselves, speaks, listens and inspires others. Charisma arises where authenticity, competence and emotional intelligence work together.

What does charisma mean in everyday working life?

In a professional context, charisma manifests itself in confident communication, convincing body language and in dealing with others. Charismatic people provide orientation, have a motivating effect and create trust – whether in a team meeting, a job interview or a customer meeting.

Why is charisma so important?

Charisma increases trust, promotes cohesion and inspires common goals. In leadership, charisma means carrying others along emotionally – not through control, but through impact. It is a central element of modern leadership personality.

Do charismatic leaders have more success?

Yes – studies show that charismatic leaders enjoy more trust, lead more loyal teams and achieve better results. However, the decisive factor is that charisma must be genuine. If it becomes a show without substance, the effect will be the opposite.

What characterises charismatic people?

Charismatic people come across as present, inwardly clear and socially orientated. They show:
– clarity in attitude and communication,
– empathy in their dealings,
– self-confidence without arrogance,
– appreciation of others.
At the same time, they are focussed, balanced and engaging.

What set of characteristics do charismatic people have?

Typical characteristics are
– Emotional intelligence
– Self-reflection
– Positive charisma
– Credibility
– Social skills
– Enthusiasm
These characteristics can be consciously developed – regardless of personality type.

What are the three rules of charisma?

1. Show presence: Be fully present in a conversation.

2. Radiate self-confidence: Appear clear, calm and assertive.

3. Convey goodwill: Show genuine interest in the other person.
   If you live by these rules, you automatically come across as more charismatic – without appearing artificial.

How can you learn charisma?

Charisma is not an innate talent, but a set of trainable skills. If you work on your body language, voice, self-reflection and emotional expressiveness, you will strengthen your impact. Feedback, targeted practice and role models also help to build it up.

Is there also a downside – can you be ‘too charismatic’?

Yes – if charisma occurs without empathy or humility, it quickly comes across as manipulative. Exaggerated self-presentation or emotional over-staging creates mistrust. That’s why balance is crucial: between self-assurance and listening, between energy and modesty.

What is empathy?

Empathy means recognising and understanding the feelings of others and responding to them constructively. It combines emotional resonance with cognitive thinking – and is one of the most important leadership skills of our time.

What are the four pillars of empathy?

1. Adopting a perspective – empathising with others

2. Non-judgement – leaving the other person’s point of view alone

3. Recognising feelings – noticing body language and signals

4. Communicating feelings – actively listening, mirroring, empathising
   These four elements make empathy practical, tangible and learnable.

Is empathy a strength or a weakness?

Empathy is a clear strength. It creates trust, increases team cohesion and enables smarter decisions. In leadership, empathy does not mean compliance, but foresight – with a view to relationships, motivation and sustainable cooperation.

How do charisma and empathy work together?

Charisma without empathy comes across as cold. Empathy without charisma comes across as quiet. Only together do they develop leadership with depth: charismatic because it is inspiring – empathic because it is human. Those who cultivate both are perceived as trustworthy, effective and successful in the long term.

Why are charisma and empathy so important for managers?

Because they provide orientation and create connection at the same time. In times of complexity and change, leadership needs emotional reach – not just technical expertise. Charisma and empathy are the keys to this.