The Secret to Wealth, Fame, and Fortune

Obama has it.  Madoff has it.  Hitler had it.  Kim-Jong-il has it.  Johnny Depp has it.

What knowledge or secret is it that these men have in common that has brought them fortune and fame (or infamy)?  What do these guys possess that you and I can't seem to get?  Is it money?  Power?  An evil jinn waiting to grant their every wish?  Perhaps....

 
Why is it that some people can charm you like a pet cobra in a basket, even when you know they're going to take advantage of you?  You may think you're prepared to resist them, fully expecting to brush aside their wiles, but you come away having gladly given them everything they wanted.  From a distance you can see that they're con men (or women).  You watch them work others for their own ends and recognize the manipulation taking place.

Enter into a conversation with them, however, and all your convictions are set aside.  It seems supernatural at times, the way these characters disarm their marks.  Its a characteristic I've seen in people from all walks.  Most of your big-business men are highly skilled at this, and of course the con men too, but they're not alone.  You don't have to be a con artist, business tycoon, famous actor, or horrific dictator to possess this power.  I've seen manifested it in 18-year-old skater punks and 20-something red-necks too.

You've met these people.  The car salesman who sold you the Camaro when all you wanted was a Camry.  The business man who convinced you that spending more with him was far better than paying half as much to work with "that other guy."  The attorney who listened so intently to all your problems then sent you a bill for $215 an hour - and maybe took five minutes to sign his name to a form letter he pulled from a file.  The hitchhiker that you intended to drop off two towns back but now you're taking him to a town an hour out of your way.  The politician that has no experience, no qualifications, and no history but says all the right things...

What is it that they have that we don't?  Or don't we have it too?  I tell you we all have it.
Charisma.
It's more than a trait on a character record sheet.  I believe it is the one thing you can nurture and develop that will take you farther in this world than any education you may buy.  It's not for sale, but you can learn to improve on it.  To some it comes naturally.  Others have to work hard at it.  Many will never consider it important enough to develop.

Grandma's hobo is such a one.  From here, I can see his manipulations and charade.  I can see how he preys on her vulnerabilities and insecurities - making her feel at once needed and loved like nobody else seems to.  Yes, from here I can see that he is a con man.  The problem is, every time I meet the guy - I like him!

This has led me to avoid him whenever possible.  When I'm around, he talks cars or wood cutting.  Sometimes his charade is transparent, but this is only because he lacks experience and talks a little over his actually knowledge level.  I'm sure that when others are around, he cues into their interests and engages them on their level as well.  This kid is gifted - but still a con man.

Now I'm not saying that every charismatic person is a con man.  On the contrary, I count many with a charisma talent as my personal friends.  But I've never met a con man that wasn't charismatic!  I guess it goes back to upbringing.  Those raised without morality tend towards the cons.  Those raised in good homes tend to be pros.

And maybe that's really all there is that separates the gifted.  Will you use your charisma for good as a Professional?  Or, will you use your charisma for evil as a Con man?