“May the force be with you”

LeaderLeader CharacteristicsCharacteristics

SituationalSituationalRequirementsRequirements

Charismatic Charismatic relationship and relationship and

leadershipleadership

FollowerFollower CharacteristicsCharacteristics

High self-confidence Strong convictions about ideas

High energy and enthusiasm Expressive

Excellent communication Active image-building

High degree of respect and

esteem for the leader Loyalty and devotion to the

leader Affection for the leader High performance expectations Unquestioning obedience

Sense of actual or imminent crisis Perceived need for change Opportunity to articulate

ideological goal Availability of dramatic symbols Opportunity to articulate

followers’ role

Organizational life cycle (early and late)

Complex task No external reward available Flexible and organic structure Non-bureaucratic cultures

The most important early research on charismatic leadership was completed by Max Weber, who maintained that societies could be identified in terms of one of three types of authority systems: traditional, legal-rational, and charismatic.

Vision Rhetorical skills Image and trust building Personalized leadership

Crises Task Interdependence Innovation More Receptive to Change Organizational Downsizing

The Sociological Approach• 1. Extraordinary, almost magical talents• 2. Crisis situation• 3. Radical vision• 4. Followers• 5. Validation of leader through repeated

success

The Psychoanalytic Approach• Intense attraction• Regression

Transference Projection

What does this say for the followers and for positive leaders?

The Political Approach Types of charismatic leaders:

• Charismatic giants• Charismatic luminaries• Charismatic failures• Charismatic aspirants

Charismatic leaders increase their power:• Cultural myths• Public address• Concentric circles

The Behavioral Approach• Leader behaviors• Leader-follower relations• The situation

The Attribution Approach• 1. Possess a vision that is unique, but

attainable• 2. Act in an unconventional, counter-

normative way• 3. Personal commitment & risk• 4. Confidence & expertise• 5. Personal Power

The Communication Approach• Relationship builders• Visionaries• Influence agents

The Dark Side Differences in:

• Power• Vision• Relationship to followers• Communication• Ethics & Morals

Failures of vision Misarticulation of goals Poor management

Who are the charismatic leaders we can agree on?

And why?