To have charisma, to be attractive, and to develop quality relationships, you must be accessible. Charismatic leaders make themselves available. They don’t hide in their offices and shy away from people. They get out and rub shoulders with their colleagues at work and in their field of expertise.

One of the best leaders I know is Larry Osborne, the senior pastor at my church. He’s accessible by phone, via e-mail, or in person. He even Twitters. But before you say he must be running a small church, know that over 8,000 people attend weekend services.

How does Larry make himself so accessible? He must have a huge team of people behind him. Well, he has a good team, but he still does some of the same things he did when the church was small. I believe these “little things” contribute to why he now pastors one of the most influential churches in the United States today.

How does Larry make himself so available? Well, of course, he still preaches regularly on weekends and interacts with hundreds of people at each service. He is also intimately involved in teaching young pastors about leadership, which expands his borders well beyond his local ministry. And he shares with leaders around America the system our church has used for years to multiply its ministry via video venues all over North County San Diego, nationwide, and even internationally.

Years ago, the elder board wisely hired an executive pastor to handle a lot of the administrative duties that fall to a church this size. In effect, this capable “partner” supports Larry’s leadership while at the same time allows him to do what he does best: preach, cast vision, and lead the “flock.” This also gives him the time to impact the lives and ministries of others around the country and around the world.

But I’ve observed three things he does that enhance his accessibility and, thus, his personal appeal:

• Larry still teaches the new-member classes
• Larry hosts welcome receptions in his home
• Larry shares his life and his struggles with his congregation

Leaders like Larry are transparent and reveal themselves without inhibition. They don’t put on a façade. They get on our level because they know who they are. This makes them accessible and allows us to truly know them. Charismatic leaders inspire people through their mere presence. They carry a quiet confidence that makes them special. And that’s what makes them good leaders.

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