One of the most common concepts that I routinely deal with as a coach, is that of the Leadership aura. Based on all that is seen in movies and read about in books, there are those who think that leaders carry a certain aura. This ‘Leadership Aura’ is on the wish list of many a leader. When I ask these folks what exactly they mean by this, I am told that it is generally an air that some ‘powerful’ leaders carry around them. They walk into a room and conversations drop to a whisper. Every eye in the room is on this person. They speak and everyone listens and obeys. They have an air of ‘can-do’. Power sits easily on their strong shoulders.
They are people magnets and most leaders want to be like them.
At best, this is a dangerous myth. Your personal power has nothing to do with the way you appear to others.
The aura that any great leader carries is shaped not by personality, but by character. There is a difference between the two. Try asking Google the difference. A person may have a very attractive personality in terms of looks, dress sense, etiquette and the use of language and still fail as a leader. People magnets don’t always make great leaders.
The leadership aura is shaped by respect that the leader earns through strength of character. By this I mean the ability and the willingness to do the right thing, the right way, every time. This requires a deep belief in one’s own value system. How many of us even know our value systems, let alone live by these values?
It’s not that Rolex watch or that latest limousine or that massive bungalow that gives a leader his aura. One of the greatest leaders the world has seen, dressed in a simple dhoti and lived in an ashram.
If you want to grow your aura as a leader, I suggest that you begin by exploring your beliefs, and then try to live according to those beliefs. Every situation is an opportunity to examine your values. Ask yourself what your beliefs are every time you get the urge to jump a red light, or when a beggar approaches you for alms at a traffic signal. Ask yourself what justice means to you. Explore your values when it comes to money, relationships, career or family. Every time you act according to your beliefs, your aura becomes more defined and life becomes more meaningful.
One last thing… this aura of personal power has nothing to do with you holding a leadership position. Anyone can develop it. All it takes is commitment.
