Some leaders walk into a room and people immediately pay attention. Not because they are loud, but because something about them is different.
That leadership quality is charisma, which is the emotional connection that moves people. Teenagers call it rizz. (And since I impressed you with my hip vernacular, that should prove I don’t have much of it.)
But charisma can fool you. It can be performed. It can be used to manipulate. That is why charisma by itself is not enough for leaders. What is required is authentic charisma, the kind rooted in truth. Here is the difference:
Charisma makes people lean in. Authentic charisma makes people buy in.
It is tempting to believe you are either born with this ability or you are not. It is easy to think being authentically charismatic is optional. Reject this thinking. It does not matter if you lead a company or a family, manage a big team or a small one, or speak once a year or fifty times a year. It matters.
You are selling something, and for people to buy what you are selling, you must develop this skill.
Use your gifts,
John Eades
Founder of LearnLoft | The Sales Infrastructure
P.S. A genuine thank you to everyone who purchased The Optimistic Outlook Book and tagged me or texted me when it arrived. It means more to me than you know. 200 copies were just delivered yesterday, part of which was for a team purchase, so let the Christmas giveaway commence.
This Week’s Poll Question
Anyone who answers this poll is entered to win a free copy of the Optimistic Outlook! Congratulations to Brad Steele for winning this week’s giveaway. A book is on the way.
How strongly does a leader’s charisma affect whether you buy into their vision?
Last week’s results: What part of optimistic leadership is hardest for you? (14,467 subscribers)
Staying positive under pressure (18%)
Keeping the team energized (30%)
Avoiding negative self-talk (22%)
Finding bright spots with a negative boss or company culture (30%)
The Optimistic Outlook (Newsletter)
The Optimistic Outlook is a daily newsletter designed to remind you to focus on the bright side, one day at a time. Join 1200+ leaders who are already improving their Optimistic Outlook.
Be a Positive Leader (Video)
Negativity spreads fast and it’s rarely loud. It usually shows up in small ways, often without leaders even knowing they are doing it.
However, the issue isn’t having negative thoughts. That’s normal. The issue is not training your mindset to choose something different. Because if you don't choose positivity, you will default to negativity.
But optimism isn't fluff or just something you are born with. It's also not pretending things are fine or ignoring reality. It’s the trained belief that a better outcome is possible, and that your actions matter.
And it’s trainable. Research shows 75% of optimism is learned. You don’t need to be a perfect leader, but you do need to be a positive one.
The Teamwork Advantage (Workshop)
If your team has an offsite, strategic planning session, or quarterly kickoff coming up, now is the moment to strengthen how they work together.
One hour introduces the formula for elite teamwork.
Two hours gives time to practice with real scenarios.
Four hours equips them with repeatable systems they will use every day.
Teams that wait hope the problems go away. Teams that act build trust, alignment, and shared ownership.
Schedule your session, choose the duration that fits your agenda, and start building a true advantage. Click below to secure a date.
Here Are Some Ways We Could Partner:
The Proven Approach to Help Employees Develop Leadership Skills: Bring the Accelerate Leadership Program or Catalyst for Growth Program in-house for a customized experience for your team members. Programs include virtual or in-person instructor-led training, a Leadership Growth Plan, and group coaching to ensure real-world mastery.
The Personalized Mindset and Skill Shift: Work 1-on-1 with me or one of our certified coaches to achieve your goals, strengthen critical skills, and address your most pressing challenges. This 6-month program focuses on mindset and execution for tangible, lasting outcomes. Show me more
The Engaged and Inspired Audience: There is one available date left in 2025, and we are now booking 2026. John’s new keynote, “The Teamwork Advantage,” has been a hit for organizations. Hit reply on this note, or check out some of our recent talks here.
