Comments on: Is Charisma Essential for Leaders?

By: Employee Turnover and the New Economy | Peak History

Employee Turnover and the New Economy | Peak History — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:05:32 +0000

[...] what this country has offered me and believe that our values and the foundation established by our founding fathers make this country a destination for people across the world. People from everywhere have and [...]

By: Rachelle Dillon

Rachelle Dillon — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:18:55 +0000

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!

By: Marguerite Granat

Marguerite Granat — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:35:59 +0000

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.

By: Clifford James Watson

Clifford James Watson — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:41:01 +0000

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.

By: Marguerite Granat

Marguerite Granat — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:32:10 +0000

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