D-Empress

Word in the corridors of power is that the latest must-have accessory for the 'it woman' (or man for that matter) is, yes, you've guessed it, charisma! Charisma?

Now revealed from the shadows, at last, charisma, that hard-to-touch but you-know-it-when-you-feel-it characteristic, is a meteor that everyone is trying to touch. Some would say you're either born with or without it. Charisma, alluring and somehow deliciously mysterious, is toted by future-thinking life coaches and self-help gurus as the number one life-skill needed to successfully navigate the future.

For, being in the 'in' crowd is, these days, exactly that - a crowded affair. Most people want to get out because it's difficult to thrive, but it's easier said than done. For, at the crux of human nature itself is the desire to belong.

Potent power mongers

In belonging, it often becomes too easy to lose yourself in the glare of potent power mongers or the de-facto leadership which, somehow, always rises to the top like cream on coffee.

So, the option of hiding our light under the proverbial bushel has proven to be all too easy for the past few decades. We were at ease knowing that the world was divided into two distinct categories - leaders and followers.

We were taught to quickly identify which side we'll take on this earth, walk and stay there. After all, leaders are expected to be charismatic. What then of the majority who were able to sit back and be led?

Do we feel an impending sense of horror when the trend forecasters predict that blending in and keeping the boat steady will no longer reap the dividends of yesteryear? If not, we should! Clearly, it's time to go back to the drawing board.

As the bar on the world's tolerance for material exhibitionism is tumbling down, a yearning for bona fide authenticity is taking centre stage. It makes sense, then, that we are experiencing an increased sensibility for noble qualities such as charisma.

From the workplace to our social groups, there are always some people who just seem to have been blessed with lashings of the stuff - charisma!

Winning streak

If you have it great, you're on a winning streak. The vexing question, however, is: if being the one to turn heads without uttering a sound is not second nature to you, then can charisma be cultivated? For, success made manifest in our individual spheres of influence will depend on the ability to lead, most likely from the centre out than from the top down.

Therein lies the answer, at the centre. Our centre! The soul stokes the fire in our belly once we allow it to burn. Look around and check out the most charismatic people you know, and look at the common threads that bind them - passion, dreams, tenacity and vision - or (PDTV) for short.

Nature or nurture - either way, charisma is available to everyone. Work on the PDTV in your life, and you'll find that charisma will effortlessly become your second nature.