Charismatic leadership can be a double-edged sword. While it can inspire and motivate, it also harbors potential pitfalls. Let's delve into the three significant dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of charismatic leadership.
Three Types of Dangerous Charisma
There are three broad categories of dangerous charisma: charismatic leaders who become addicted to charisma, organizations that are addicted to the charismatic leader, and those that are leaders who use charisma to entice others to do their work for them
- To avoid this trap, leaders must study themselves in the context of the practice of leadership.
- Do I spend my time empowering others to make decisions, or does my involvement force people to look to me for answers?
- How often do I dive into details that belong to others?
Charisma grows for its own sake and forgets its purpose
Young or smaller companies are especially vulnerable because they have no other center of gravity outside of the charismatic founder
- The challenge expands if the company grows, because followers tend to believe that the charismatic leader is responsible for any success
- If you find yourself influencing others for the wrong reasons, ask How am I drawing attention to myself, and away from others?
Charisma is a capability, not an answer
If you are a charismatic leader, everyone knows it, and there is no need to overplay the role
- You will do well to tread lightly, and wear your charisma gently
- See charisma as an attribute, one of many
- Focus on leading with the greatest regard for your responsibilities and highest esteem for your followers
