Charismatic Leadership: Traits and Behaviors

Introduction

Every person’s dream is to become a successful leader. Leadership is a unique trait because it encourages more people to achieve their potentials. Leaders should also embrace certain values, traits, and virtues to achieve their objectives. People should use different leadership styles to achieve their goals. Managers should also use the right leadership strategies. Charismatic leaders are “usually skilled, passionate, and hardworking” (Bell, 2012, p. 68). Charismatic leadership encourages “managers to articulate the best visions and arouse meaningful emotions in their followers” (Bell, 2012, p. 69). This essay offers the unique traits and behaviors of charismatic leaders. The paper will describe my competencies as a charismatic leader. The essay will go further to identify the major gaps that make me less competent. Such gaps should be closed to achieve my potentials as a charismatic leader.

Content and Analysis

Research on Charismatic Leadership

Bell (2012) believes that “charismatic leadership is based on a person’s ability to communicate with different followers in a positive manner” (p. 71). The main role of a charismatic leader is to inspire his or her followers using the best ideas. Charismatic leaders “can communicate and empower their followers” (Bell, 2012, p. 69). Such leaders also work hard to achieve targeted outcomes. This form of leadership encourages more people to develop certain traits. For instance, charismatic leaders should be good listeners. They should also possess the required charm to empower others. Such leaders should always embrace the power of self-belief.

Charismatic leaders always outline their goals and objectives. They make sure every person understands the targeted goals. They also encourage their followers to embrace the best practices such as learning and teamwork. Such leaders also attach themselves to their groups. They also “promote powerful practices such as teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving” (DuBrin, 2013, p. 62). The team will also focus on targeted goals. Many charismatic leaders guide their teams using metaphors and interesting stories. Such leaders should show confidence through effective communication.

Charismatic leadership also presents different challenges. For example, some leaders might lack certain skills such as integrity and trust. These individuals will eventually affect the success of their teams. Sometimes charisma “might forget its ultimate goal” (DuBrin, 2013, p. 76). That being the case, charismatic leaders should have limits to achieve their goals.

My Aptitude for Charismatic Leadership

One of my greatest dreams is to become a charismatic leader. I have unique skills and competencies that can make me a successful leader. To begin with, I always communicate positively with my followers. I also behave positively. This practice makes it easier for me to mentor, empower, and motivate others. I also possess certain traits that can support my goals as a charismatic leader. I am a good decision-maker. I always embrace the power of teamwork to achieve my potentials. Charisma “makes it possible for leaders to get the best out of their people” (Bell, 2012, p. 71). This analysis shows clearly that I have a strong aptitude for charismatic leadership.

My fascination with sustainable leadership encourages me to embrace the best competencies. Some of these competencies include the ability to address the problems affecting my teams. I have developed new skills that can make me a successful leader (Dow, 2014). I always share my goals and visions. These practices will eventually support my skills as a charismatic leader.

Closing Gaps: Becoming More Charismatic

I strongly believe that my leadership skills are less developed. This fact explains why I am planning to acquire new traits. This practice will eventually improve my charisma. I will use a powerful plan to support my goals. The first step is spending more time with my followers. This approach will make it easier for my followers to make positive decisions. I will also ensure my duties and actions empower other people. The practice will make them more “responsible and accountable for their actions” (Dow, 2014, p. 11). The above analysis has also identified the major problems associated with this leadership style. This fact explains why I am planning to acquire new skills such as integrity and openness.

Recommendations

The above gaps cannot be closed without the use of powerful teams. My goal is to form new teams. Such teams will make it easier for me to develop new competencies. I will also motivate my followers and teams. Managers should embrace most of the above ideas to become charismatic leaders. Effective leaders “should always communicate, inspire, and know their teams” (Dow, 2014, p. 15). These steps will eventually support my future leadership goals.

Conclusion

Charismatic leaders possess some of the best traits and values. These leaders empower their teams using appropriate practices. Charismatic leadership makes it possible for many individuals to inspire, empower, and communicate with their teammates. I will embrace new skills to address the above leadership gaps. I will read more articles to improve my leadership skills. This strategy will eventually make me a charismatic leader.

Reference List

Bell, M. (2012). Charismatic Leadership Case Study with Ronald Reagan as an Exemplar. Emerging Leadership Journeys, 1(1), 66-74.

Dow, J. (2014). Discovery: Personal Profile. The Insights Group, 1(1), 1-21.

DuBrin, A. (2013). Leadership: Research Findings, Practice, and Skills. Boston, MA: South-Western Cengage Learning.