Is Charisma Essential for Leaders?

by Marguerite Granat on August 23, 2009

Franklin1877

A friend of mine shared an article from Time Magazine a couple of days ago about how it’s possible to be a leader without charisma. Then I stumbled upon a podcast where Jack Welch says that you can’t fake charisma.  Some people believe that charisma can be learned and others believe that you either have it or you don’t. I would have to know more about the subject to reach a definite conclusion. What I do know is that I can spot someone with charisma right away.  These people are exhilarating to be around and magnetic.

Ben Franklin is such a man. Here are several behaviors that Franklin exhibited making him very charismatic, especially while representing the Colonies at the French Court:

  • Self Confidence. Ben Franklin was a truly self made man. He came from a humble background. This did not affect his ability to stand next to Kings and Queens without exhibiting self doubt or discomfort.
  • Knew how to command attention. While everyone wore wigs and elaborate outfits, he stood out by wearing simple clothes, no wig and a fur cap.
  • Behaved freely and naturally. He was open to new experiences, was spontaneous and had a joy for life.
  • Supported a strong Cause.  Franklin said, “It is a common observation here that our cause is the cause of all mankind and that we are fighting for their liberty in defending our own”.
  • Self Deprecation. By making jokes about himself, he was able to be more approachable. This  made him more appealing to be with.
  • Adventurous. Ben Franklin traveled across the Atlantic Ocean at age seventy. This was an advanced age for his time. He took this risk to benefit America’s cause.
  • Eye Contact and Smile. Pierre-Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, the founder of DuPont, described Franklin as: “His eyes reveal a perfect equanimity and his lips the smile of an unalterable serenity.”
  • Power of words. William Pierce of Georgia said “He is, however, almost extraordinary man, and tells a story in a style more engaging than anything I ever heard.”

Outcomes

France formed an alliance with the US that helped America win its war for independence from England. This is his greatest diplomatic victory and without it the world would be a different place today because the United States may not have been born. I believe that Ben Franklin’s charisma was instrumental in winning over the French court to our side.

Your Insights and Thoughts

  • Are people born with charisma or is this a skill that can be learned?
  • Is charisma essential for the leader’s success?

Please Share!

    Tagged as: Ben Franklin, Charisma, Leadership, Success

    • Clifford James Watson

      Regarding charisma…

      In basic psychological terms, we are almost involved in a “nature v. nurture” argument, in respect to the origins of charisma. Every human on this planet has, at some point, encountered a truly charismatic individual. Some seem extremely unlikely to succeed on the basis of one over the other. A Kennedy is born, founds a magazine, certainly has, and seems to be born with “it (charisma)”, but dies doing something pitifully stupid in an airplane. A short, hostile, psychotic, in a war-torn country, brings the world to the brink of annihilation…well, hardly born with “it,” and certainly not in any obvious way in an environment that nurtured his charisma. There is a third factor, and it is circumstance. The right (or wrong) person in the right (or wrong) place at the right (or wrong) time will become charismatic–a leader that will enhance (or degrade)the civiization he or she is born into.

      • Marguerite Granat

        Cliff, good point. Sometimes a leader becomes charismatic once he or she is a position of power rather than by nature. Also, I agree that charisma without substance is an empty proposition. Your comment is powerful and thought provoking. I’ll be thinking about this for a long time. Thanks for stopping by. Marguerite

    • Clifford James Watson

      I’ve thought about this charisma thing a bit more. The question is, are charismatic individuals born with it, or develop this ability as they mature? I suggest that there are three factors. The least of the three is pedigree. One’s ancestors may have been powerful influential leaders, but DNA is fickle. It is hardly an automatic that based on genes alone an individual will become charismatic. The nurturing environment is more important, but is highly unpredictable and untestable: the product of a strife-ridden, impoverished, parentless environment is just as likely to gain these traits as a child of privelege. The strongest influencer, in my opinion, is circumstance: what pivotal crisis an individual with POTENTIAL to be a profound leader is thrust into, and how he/she gathers others in sway. And I also want to add this: charisma is not a moral trait. Charisma is outside of concepts like “good” and “evil.” It is a leadership ability, and can be equally untilized for the betterment of society, or for its detriment.

      • Marguerite Granat

        Cliff, I agree with your point that charisma is not a moral issue. The leader who may be well intentioned or not can use this powerful tool to further her interests. Your assessment on how a person obtains it is very interesting. I’ll need to ponder on that because again you are making me think about this from another angle.

    • http://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelled Rachelle Dillon

      Another blog home run! I tend to think charisma is a subtle trait whose seeds can be developed to influence others. Your listing of the essential components is fascinating and thought provoking. With regard to leadership, charisma would tend to lift a leader to another level that someone without charisma would have difficulty achieving. As Cliff hinted, charisma when mixed with power can be used for selfish or misguided aims. When I think of charisma, Bill Clinton and JFK come to mind as they had it in spades. Many thanks for your blog- outstanding!

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