There is a very fine line between being a charismatic leader and being a ineffective leader. Based on my experiences I consider these to be four of the dangers you need to take into consideration when dealing with an extremely charismatic leader.
- Do people close to the leader challenge him?
Often times the individuals that surround a charismatic leader are to drunk on the “kool-aid” to effectively challenge his bad decisions. If they aren’t drunk on the kool-aid, they are afraid of being ostracized from a community or group that surrounds him. This is common with cult leaders, but its just as common in the business world. Everyone congratulates Steve Jobs on his attempt to create a music utopia free of DRM, not many people are talking about the lawsuits Apple faces because of its DRM. Convenient timing? Perhaps.
- Watch closely for signs of weak character and integrity
Imagine this. Every time you spoke people hung on your every word. Rumours of your beauty and good looks and wealth often proceeded you where ever you went. Imagine living like this for twenty years, thirty years, forty years. Knowing that once your beauty was gone you would be able to retire with a guaranteed paycheck for the rest of your life no matter who you’ve wronged in life. With all of these guarantees and admiration how would you behave? Will the line between right and wrong blur?
Sounds impossible? Well this is the life many politicians live. And its a real test of character and integrity that some fail all the time.
Be sure to watch for signs of poor character and integrity. Does the charismatic leader keep his word? Honor his commitments?
- How often do they take credit for the work of others?
A major difference between the charismatic leader and a simply good leader; the best ideas belong to them. A charismatic leader is fueled by his ability to pull amazing ideas out of his pocket. Politicians have a huge staff of people who write their speeches and legislation that you will never hear of. We often hear business leaders who spend their time talking about how they turned around, built or created something out of then air neglecting the fact that they were supported by dozens, hundreds or thousands of hard working employees. Then when the business fails they blame it on everyone but them. In business its the CFO and COO. In politics its the corrupt staffer.
- They often fail upwards
Even if you are the worst leader the world has seen, if you are charismatic you will almost always fail upwards. Usually because people like you, not because you can actually get anything done. Bad business leaders and politicians often work harder on “looking trustworthy” than actually doing things that gain the trust of those they lead. Very few people care if you write bad legislation or if you take a company into bankruptcy if you look like a good guy.
Figuring out that the charismatic leader you have been following isn’t all you thought him to be can be a very disappointing experience. How do you protect yourself? Don’t let those around you influence your opinion of the leader, look at the him or her with these four hints in mind.
And while you should take criticisms of the leader seriously, one thing that you should keep in mind…once someone has been burned and disappointed by a charismatic leader their criticisms will often sound harsh and unrealistic. This is mostly because of the emotional impact of such a disappoint coupled with others unwillingness to listen to their warnings. You should listen. Hope this was helpful.
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