Is charisma important in leading and delivering projects

I was discussing project work over lunch with a colleague. It triggered some thinking about aspects of a project that are important in leading and delivering them. I’ve always been pretty passionate about delivering a project for my clients and to quote Prince2 “ to time, cost and quality”. You are only as good as the work you can deliver and reference.

In every project I’ve worked on over the years there is a genuine need to work with a wide range of people, skills and attitudes. How you interact is very important and the pitch is essential if you want to achieve your objectives.

In terms of building your character you have to engage positively and understand how to get across all the issues and work through them – this particularly true in challenging circumstances.

In every situation you have to show the way forward and I think it helps to have something about you if you want people to listen and work with you. Without that genuine interest in other people I don’t think you can make your mark and have a chance in delivering high quality projects. I remember reading “How to win friends and influence people” by Dale Carnegie a while back http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People. It’s an old text, but well worth a read to get some essential tips on how to work with people.

In terms of reading people I look for reciprocation from others. If they are a “can do” person they can help you and you’ll probably earn some brownie points for “doing what you say you will”. For those not so willing, you need to find out how to handle them.

Being able to lead and deliver is important and to do it with effective communication, persuasion and maybe some magnetism you will get you noticed and earn some respect. If you want to build long term relationships with customers, friends and family alike I think it’s important to have charisma.

Do you agree? I would be interested in your views.