Charisma distracts, destructs, and rewards the wrong leaders.
This brief article reminds us to be cautious in our acceptance of charisma as a desired characteristic in leaders. I have come to similar conclusions over the years. My own observations and have been supported by research that comes to the same conclusion.
Charisma is a "right time, right skill" trait. In fact, I believe truly great leaders get results with a balance of charisma and humility...traits that can be at odds. The great leader is more often a great listener more than a great speech maker.
In a critical transformation at Oxford Industries many years ago we were faced wtih a tidal wave of change. I was lucky to be in a position responsible for observing the various change initiatives as we were all scrambling to remake our business before it disappeared. Of all the observations that stuck with me, none was more fascinating than the observation that the quite, "non-charismatic" leaders were the most successful at making change stick.
Charimsa - as we usually define it (the shining extrovert) - is great for gathering attention and focus on single problems or themes. That's the upside. However, the next step usually requires many individuals to step forward to lead peers. That's where collaboration comes into play. Humility - a willingness to push others forward and ahead... to shine the light on others... even to learn from others...that makes change stick.
Charismatic individuals often attract followers - the problem is when they are just that ...followers not co-leaders.
Are you building teams of people where inspiration is used to move people into the light when they will shine best? Many people leading at the moments they lead best. The great aligning leader works hard to facilitate, coordinate and push those people to step into that light at just the right time. Sometimes it takes charisma.
But then maybe our understanding of charisma - is all wrong? Maybe the real charisma is humility.