Executive Charisma: Six Steps to Mastering the Art of Leadership: Six Steps to Mastering the Art of Leadership

If you are an executive, or aspire to be one, read this book. Debra Benton simplifies the mystery of charisma into six practical, proven steps that anyone can immediately apply. "Executive Charisma" is full of time - tested advice from the top business leaders of our time. It is a fast read, perfectly suited for busy people committed to life-long development.As a practicing executive, I witness first-hand how top leaders relate to others on a daily basis. Those who know how to access and apply the 'soft' leadership skills are the winners, period. No matter how bright and classicaly educated a leader is, those who rise to the top have mastered the art of charisma. Read Benton's book and learn how easy it is to turn up the juice on your executive charisma.

The word "charisma" is derived from the Greek word "kharisma," meaning divine gift, and used in reference to someone who has an exceptional ability to attract the attention and devotion of substantial numbers of people. Throughout history, some despicable people (e.g. Adolph Hitler) have demonstrated the power of charisma but we tend to explain it, rather, as a positive, desirable quality, associating it with those whom we admire, respect, and trust (e.g. Mohandas Gandhi). In this context, of special interest to me is Jim Collins' assertion that many of the CEOs of the good-to-great companies he studied are not charismatic. According to information provided by Princeton University Press which published Search for a Corporate Savior: The Irrational Quest for Corporate CEOs, Rakesh Khurana shares what he learned from a rigorous research of the hiring and firing of CEOs at over 850 of America's largest companies and from extensive interviews with CEOs, corporate board members, and consultants at executive search firms. "He explains the basic mechanics of the selection process and how hiring priorities have changed with the rise of shareholder activism. Khurana argues that the market for CEOs, which we often assume runs on cool calculation and the impersonal forces of supply and demand, is culturally determined and too frequently inefficient. Its emphasis on charisma artificially limits the number of candidates considered, giving them extraordinary leverage to demand high salaries and power. It also raises expectations and increases the chance that a CEO will be fired for failing to meet shareholders' hopes. The result is corporate instability and too little attention to long-term strategy." All this is shared to create a context for comments on Benton's most recent book. In it, she offers a six-step process to develop "executive charisma: Be the first to initiate; expect and give acceptance to maintain esteem (yours as well as others'); ask questions and ask favors; stand tall, straight, and smile; be human, humorous, and hands-on; and finally, slow down, shut up, and listen. Obviously Benton agrees with Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich) and Dale Carnegie (How to Win Friends and Influence People) who affirm the same values, as do more recent authors such as Jim O'Toole, Stephen Covey, Daniel Goleman, John Maxwell, and David Maister. Merely listing the six steps in no way detracts from Benton's thorough analysis of each. She correctly insists that all should be developed sequentially; they are separate but interdependent. For that reason, their full development should be carefully integrated. As my reviews of her previous books indicate, her titles can be somewhat misleading. For example, when explaining how to think and act like a CEO, she is NOT suggesting that if you read those two books, you will become a CEO. The same is true of the title of this book. Benton does not suggest that by reading it you will become charismatic. If I understand her

Debra Benton once more provides an insightful and meaningful tool that helps demystify what it takes to be not only an effective executive, but a leader in the true sense of the word. Drawing from her own experience, and a wealth of personal and business contacts that include some of the most powerful and influential CEOs in America, Debra's advice passes the only true test: it works. I think I understand something about leadership, but this work puts it into full perspective, reminds me of what is important, and best of all, extends into every facet of daily life. It is one of only a very few 'how to' books that I would pass on to my colleagues, business contacts, family, and friends. Her writing is clear and exemplary; her subject learned and the delivery so very effective: a short read for long results. Michael DessoyePresident & CEO, Advanced Enterprise IM Solutions, Inc.

This book is unquestionably the best organized, to the point, and clearly stated book Debra has written. In this book, Debra offers the "keys to the kingdom" for maximizing personal presence. Folks who take the time to learn and use the material in this book will undoubtedly finish the book a better person than when they started. Considering the positive feedback that I myself have received since applying the techniques in the book, there's no question of its immense value.

Benton's book takes the mystery out of why one person excels in business over a comparably qualified individual who wallows in business. The simple, practical steps allow you to immediately put the advice into action. And it's not just for business but for your entire life. I'm the president of a company and I promote people who understand and use these skills. If they don't "get it" they don't' move up. It's that simple.