We Can Measure The Power of Charisma

That is the latest claim by Alex Pentland who directs the MIT Human Dynamics Lab. In fact he claimed 87% accuracy in one experiment where he predicted which individuals would win a business plan pitch without hearing their content!

He has developed an instrument called the sociometer. A badge that is worn by people and measures the dynamics of non verbal communication: gestures, expressions, tone as they interact with others in various environments. Apparently it records how much face to face interaction takes place, how close to each other people position themselves and how much each person just listens. The sensors also record stress levels when people were presenting as reflected by the variations of speed, tone, rhythm and pitch of the voice.

The theory is that certain non verbal behaviours are ‘signals’ that cause changes in the receiver of the signal. Much like the 'dancing' behaviour of Bees. This is essentially about the contagious nature of certain behaviours. Pentland’s research suggests that successful people are simply more energetic in all behaviours. Not just as transmitters of information but also as receivers. They are also great listeners.

Not rocket science! You may be thinking. However, it seems that it is the 'energy' with which these behaviours are performed that becomes the defining factor.

In an interview with Harvard Business Review Pentland says:

“The more of these energetic, positive people you put on a team, the better the team’s performance. We are learning how face-to-face communications affects productivity. We think face time with colleagues is as much as 2.5 times as important to success as additional access to information. Results aren’t final, but we think we can increase productivity by 10% at no cost just by rearranging the environment to promote more employee interaction. Positive, energetic people have higher performance.”

In this video from Google Talks Pentalnd reveals more about his research:




The question always remains how do you turn this research into identifiable behaviours?

When Jo Thompson and I developed the ‘Charismalab’ programme we mainly focussed on translating what we understood about the dynamics of charismatic behaviour from working as (and with) performers on the stage and screen. We were interested in what made successful performers successful. We discovered that it is their ability to communicate their values, ideas, beliefs and experiences using energised and engaging behaviours.

Pentland's research takes this discovery into more territories. Including brainstorming and productivity in teams.

In an interview with Psychology Today he states: “We found very similar results in a separate study focused on brainstorming: the more of these energetic, focused listeners that were on a team, the better the quality of their brainstorming. In brainstorming sessions with teams whose social style was similar to these ‘charismatic connectors,’ the resulting quality of the talking was characterized by high levels of listening, more even-handed turn-taking, and high levels of engagement, trust, and cooperation. These 'charismatic connectors' are the ultimate team players - and the key to making a team successful.”

This research certainly adds to other studies we draw on from the field of human energy and contagion and definitely supports our experience of working in the area of engagement and communication.

Contagiously yours

Tom

4Dhumanbeing.com