In the last post, I mentioned 3 leadership secrets of a magician. A magician is unique among performers. They often use volunteers. These volunteers are unknown to the magician, and the magician must get the volunteer to perform feats exactly as the magician needs them done. This takes a tremendous amount of leadership ability. So here is the second installment of the leadership secrets of a magician.
4. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Every show is different. It does not matter how many times it has been performed. It is performed for a specific audience, not audiences in general.
Everyone makes decisions in different ways. Everyone thinks and evaluates things based on their own criteria. Some are turned on by the coolness factor; others want to see the research and facts. Some are more interested in the practicality of your solution. Others are more concerned with how others may react. A successful leader adjusts to the needs and expectations of the audience.
5. Don’t preach. Coach. I love magic! I love the idea of wonder and innovation it brings. I am passionate about my performance, and I want to explore different worlds, even if they are worlds of my own making. But there are people who do not like magic, my son, for one. I don’t understand, but the truth is he doesn’t.
Leaders know it is fine to be passionate about a topic, but being dogmatic and closed-minded can prevent others from being interested in their point of view.
6. Be yourself. Though it is good to tailor your style to your audience’s, do not lose your individuality. The single best advice given to all magicians is, “Be yourself.” Even when playing a character, the magician must find something in himself that is in common with the character. When the magician is himself, the audience recognizes this and is willing to believe him. Even when in other circumstances they would not accept what just happened.
Genuineness is required of a leader. People need to trust their leaders. And if the leader cannot be honest with how he is, if he pretends to be something he is not, then he has lost all credibility.
The more you apply these skills, the more natural they will be to you. If they are not natural, people will see through you and trust you even less. Authenticity is key.
Business professionals are often required to perform magic for a client, so take a few tips from a professional magician.
Leave a Reply