Charismatic Leadership Theory
“Michelle Obama: A Charismatic Leader?”
Posted by by Barbara Kellerman | 2:35 PM April 3, 2009 http://blogs.hbr.org/2009/04/michelle-obama-a-charismatic-l/ By theoretical definition charismatic leadership is, “A leadership theory that states that followers make attributions of heroic or extraordinary leadership abilities when they observe certain behaviors”.
What is Charismatic Leadership?
Charisma has originated from Greek that means ‘Gift’. Max Weber, a sociologist, defines it as “A certain quality of an individual personality, by virtue of which he or she is set apart from ordinary people and treated as endowed which supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptionally powers or qualities. These are not accessible to
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In order to achieve the vision, the leaders leave no stone unturned; they readily take up personal risk, may even incur huge costs and many a times have to engage in activities that force them to self-sacrifice things to achieve the vision. These leaders take good care of their followers by showcasing a sensitive attitude by taking into consideration perception of others abilities and responsiveness to their needs and feelings. And lastly, these leaders have an unconventional behavior that is perceived to be novel and something that counters the norms.
Are Charismatic Leaders Born or Made?
The answer is yes for both born as well as made. There are numerous individuals born with leadership traits. In fact, there are studies that have proved that twins score similar on such leadership skills even when they were raised in different households and never met.
On the other hand, personality can also be related to charismatic leadership. Such people are likely to be extraverted, self-confident, and achievement
Trait theories were based upon a person having the right traits to be selected to be a leader while behavioral theories of leadership were base upon the idea that a person could be taught to be a leader. Charismatic leaders have four key characteristics which are: having a vision, willing to
Charismatic leadership is a passionate, self-confident leader whose character and actions affect people to behave in certain ways. High self-monitors might be more effective leaders because they can easily adjust their behavior to a different situation versus a charismatic or self-confident leader that behave in an assured way.
This is the type of leadership in which the leader lead through encouragement and enthusiasm. A charismatic leader builds power around
A charismatic leader will ensure to pay attention to every person making that person feel important. At this time they are scanning the individuals to pick up their moods and their concerns. At this time the charismatic leader will be able to improve their actions and words to suit the situation.
My view of leadership consists of different types of leadership styles. It has been disclosed that leaders who possess the charismatic personality have the most effect
Growing up when I first heard about leadership I was told one of the false leadership myth and that is, leaders are born. I grew up with that mindset and so did a lot of us. This mindset sets us on the path to believe that leadership skills are like talents or is a talent given to only a select group of persons.
Researchers have focused their efforts towards the link between effectiveness of leaders and personality traits. They tend to reach a consensus indicating that the effectiveness of a leader is established by her/his personality traits. In this context, the performance and success of leaders is measured by personality traits. Organizations use different models to assess an individual's personality traits. Some strategies employed to determine included the use of trait approach in establishing whether a leader is charismatic (Anderson, Reckenrich & Kupp, 2011).
Charismatic leaders are able to inspire emotion and passion in their followers by being optimistic and enthusiastic. Without passionate and emotional employees, an organization will be crippled and unable to face
Charisma is defined as an element of extraordinary appeal of personality. Charisma has two senses: (1) compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others, (2) a divinely conferred power or talent. President Obama's personality encompasses both senses. With this personality, President Obama proved that he could motivate a nation to believe his vision by drawing
Bryman, A., 1993, ‘Charismatic leadership in business organisations: some neglected issues’, Leadership Quarterly, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 289-304.
There are several types of leadership styles: charismatic, transformational and authentic leadership. Therefore, it is important to not only know and understand them, but to confirm which one will best fit the organization. Once confirmed, I will be able to know what type of leaders I would want to lead the department. Below are 5 questions that will be asked during the interviews:
Particular traits and characteristics are what allow leaders to lead and inspire. For starters, charisma correlates with maturity. It is a measure of one’s maturity and character. It also coincides with humility. Charismatic leaders know exactly how to listen to employees concerns which in return encourages employee loyalty. With that brings the quality characteristic of inspiration. These leaders have the ability to inspire just about anyone. They also possess positivity, optimism, and passion for a cause and attract like-minded people to them easily. (Roberts, C., Demand Media) In addition, one of the most important skills charismatic leaders dominate in is communication. Charismatic leaders are known to have exceptional communication skills. They are both verbally persuasive yet are still able to connect to their followers on a deeper, more emotional level. They are able to persuade an appealing vision in return stimulates strong emotions. Because of their outstanding communication abilities the whole organization opts to follow these leaders passionately and leaves no room for opposition for the leader.
to the leader’s beliefs and willing to obey him or her. Jesus showed His disciples who He had
However, not all leaders are born with the qualities needed for leadership. Some people enter the world with the innate abilities needed to lead, but I also believe everyone has the potential be a leader
Researchers have proposed several characteristics of leaders described as ‘charismatic’. The widely accepted characteristics of charismatic leaders are (Bryman et al., 2011, p. 90-91):