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 the way the magician needs to have them done. This takes a tremendous amount of leadership ability. So here is the second installment of 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 understanding but the truth is he does not.

Leaders know it is fine to be passionate about a topic, but being dogmatic and closed-minded prevents others from being interested in your point of views.

6. Be yourself. Though it is good to tailor your style to that of your audience, 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 it and is willing to believe the magician. 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.

However you apply these skills, it is they be natural to you. If they are not natural, people will see through it and trust you even less. Authenticity is key.

Business professional are often required to perform magic for a client so take a few tips from a professional magician.