As a socially inept teenager, Olivia Fox Cabane realized that she had two choices. Either confine myself to a desert island, or learn how to make this human thing work, she says. Cabane opted for the latter. Good thing. By age 24, the French-born author of The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism, published on March 29, had addressed the United Nations. The following year she was lecturing at Harvard and MIT, a precursor to her career as an executive coach and keynote speaker. A self-professed science nerd, Cabane came up with the idea for a book on charisma after realizing there was no single resource to help individuals cultivate it. We spoke with Cabane about why charisma is so critical to business and how Jedi mind tricks (not the hip-hop group) can help get you there.

FAST COMPANY: So what is the myth of charisma and where did it come from?

OLIVIA FOX CABANE: It came from the Greeks, who coined the word as gift of grace. They believed it was a divine gift. The myth is that charisma is not innate. What scientists have actually discovered--like many other myths they busted this one--is its actually a social skill, which like many others is learned. But this happens so early in life that by the time these charismatics get to adulthood, it all seems to be natural. And yet if, for example, you analyze the progression of Steve Jobs from 1984 to 2011 youll see he painstakingly learned it step by step.

So where did we get the idea that one needs to be outgoing and gregarious to be charismatic?

A few things. First, people dont realize that charisma is not monolithic. Theres no one form of charisma that is good or bad per se. Theres only the right form of charisma for the particular situation. Our Western culture glamorizes extroversion, and so the 50% of the population who are introverts feel defective and uncool. But you know what? Introversion is actually an asset for several forms of charisma.

For example?

For focus charisma, which creates a cocoon around people and gets them to share everything, introversion is actually a key, critical component because you need to completely focus your attention on a person and listen attentively.

What about the three other styles of charisma?

Theres authority charisma, which is the most powerful form of charisma. Its the one that will get people to listen and obey. However, authority charisma has several downsides, as do the others. With this one, though, it inhibits critical feedback and is a killer for brainstorming. Its not one Id recommend bringing into a company or to a team if you want them to be creative.

Excerpt from:
Cultivating Charisma: How Personal Magnetism Can Help (Or Hurt) You At Work