什么是非凡领导力及魅力型领袖

What Is Charisma and Charismatic Leadership?

Question: Is charisma something that you are born with –you either have it or you don’t? Do you think most leaders, politicians and inspirational figures have charisma and is it that particular quality which makes them stand out?

Charisma is really a process – an interaction between the qualities of the charismatic leader, the followers and their needs and identification with the leader, and the situation that calls out for a charismatic leader, such as a need for change or a crisis. But when it comes to the charismatic qualities of leaders, the emphasis is on how they communicate to followers and whether they are able to gain followers’ trust, and influence and persuade them to follow.

Most politicians, particularly on the national scene, have developed their ability to communicate effectively –to make speeches, ―work the room‖ with potential donors and supporters, etc. So many seasoned politicians have a lot of ―personal charisma.‖

Question: What are several important characteristics that you believe every leader should possess?

A model that I think represents the very best leaders, and research bears this out, is transformational leadership. You can think of transformational leadership as going beyond charisma, because two of the components of transformational leadership deal with charisma. They are:

Idealized Influence, the first component, is the leader’s ability to be a positive (and moral) role model for followers. The transformational leader also ―walks the talk, ‖ and is on the ―front line‖ working with followers (think MLK Jr.), or leaders who sacrifice along with their followers. In business, the charismatic/transformational leader sometimes serves as the ―face‖ of the company or the movement (think Steve Jobs).

Inspirational Motivation is the second quality of transformational leaders and it is what charismatic leaders are noted for: their ability to inspire and motivate followers to perform at high levels, and to be committed to the organization or the cause.

The other two elements of transformational leadership are: Intellectual Stimulation – challenging followers to be creative and think outside of the box – and Individualized Consideration – being responsive to the feelings and developmental needs of followers.

Transformational leaders are charismatic, but they are also noted for leading high performing groups and teams, and developing followers’ leadership capacity, as much as helping the group or organization to change and innovate.

Question: What ar e some behaviors or traits that might derail a leader/politician’s career or stand in their path to success?

The biggest thing that can derail a leader is arrogance, and a lack of concern or responsiveness to followers and constituents. We have seen how po liticians’ and CEOs’ arrogance – thinking they are above the law, and committing ethical violations lead to their demise. Also, a leader needs to succeed more often than not, and learn from mistakes and setbacks.

Question: Are leaders born or made, in your opinion?

This isn’t something that requires my opinion, because this question has been well researched.