The charismatic leader
Charismatic leaders are imbued with strong communication skills, persuasiveness, and are often delightfully charming. They are passionate about their work. Team members often identify strongly with charismatic leaders. Charismatic leaders are confident and can motivate their teams. They can be great leaders, able to see the bigger picture and excel at setting project milestones well into the future to keep their teams motivated and continually advancing.
Some of us may be charismatic leaders, or we may work with leaders who are charismatic. Every leadership style can have a powerful impact on an organisation. Charismatic leaders can wield a powerful, positive influence on an organisation and the people they lead.
The benefits of charismatic leadership
Let’s consider some of the positive aspects of charismatic leadership. Charismatic leaders can be highly inspirational and motivating. They encourage a spirit of camaraderie and a sense of common purpose. Charismatic leaders can often drive positive change because they can overcome objections and incite interest and a shared sense of common purpose.
A charismatic leader is great at optimising and motivating teams, as they operate on the courage of their convictions and stand up for what they believe in. They can inspire focused commitment to an organisation’s business mission and produce results.
The downside of charismatic leadership
A charismatic leader can also have some downsides. They can be more focused on themselves and their perceptions of themselves than on the teams they lead. They have the potential to become narcissistic – excessively preoccupied with their own needs to be liked and admired. They can be shallow or disingenuous.
Some less effective charismatic leaders consider themselves indispensable. This may become problematic when they must be replaced. Some charismatic leaders may be unable to see the error of their ways and impede beneficial change. There may be situations where charismatic leaders become so enthralled by their narrative that they consider themselves invincible, leading them to commit violations or crimes such as fraud.
Maximise the charismatic leadership style
Like any other leadership style, charismatic leadership is no better or worse than any other leadership style. The challenge for charismatic leaders is to use their ability prudently and thoughtfully. It also assists those who work with charismatic leaders. How should charismatic leaders maximise their leadership style?
Be vulnerable
Being vulnerable is a powerful way of fostering human connection. A person who authentically declares their vulnerability generates greater trust and stronger affiliation.
Be a better listener
Charismatic leaders tend to sweep all before them. They tell rather than listen. By developing and practising better listening skills they establish a better human rapport with their colleagues and foster greater levels of trust.
Manage the charm
Charismatic leaders can get their way by turning on the charm. They may use this to overcome valid resistance or hesitation. Toning down the charming persuasion allows others to express their views, go beyond being charming, and connect with people. Learn more about them and support their goals.
Be compassionate
Pure charisma can only go so far. A prudent leader will accept human failing in themselves and others.
Be mature
A gentle charismatic leader won’t get sucked into bullying or scoring points to get their way. It’s not about manipulating people; it’s about getting the right things done.
Be transparent
A successful charismatic leader is open and honest about what they are doing and why they are doing it. They put out the same message to everybody.
In conclusion, it’s not about what your leadership style is, it is about how you deploy your style to achieve the worthy goals of the organisation.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your leadership style can help you better identify your dominant style and how you can use it to the benefit of your organisation.
Charismatic leadership is not the only style and not everyone should aspire to be a charismatic leader. An authentic leader understands their leadership style and maximises it to full advantage. Charismatic leaders are conspicuous and have a certain magnetism, but if you are not a charismatic leader, don’t fret about it. You have an important contribution to make by being yourself.
It’s easy to be bewitched by the apparent power of a super-charismatic individual, but whilst such characteristics can, indeed, be important in a leader, we should remind ourselves that charisma has some serious flaws that should not be overlooked.
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