Last week, the theory of charismatic leadership has been introduced where Martin Luenendonk (2020) narrated its historical context by citing the earlier works of Max Weber and Robert House. To date, Gautam Gayan will enlighten the readers of the pros and cons, characteristics and the benefits from charismatic leadership.Accordingly, 'Charismatic leadership focuses on the leaders themselves. It's the ability to communicate, influence, and be comfortable in their own skin. Charisma is a process, a quality that requires transforming visions into a reality.'If you are a leader who can communicate, persuade and influence employees for increased work efficiency and employees�job satisfaction, then, you are truly a charismatic leader (Gayan, 2021).Charismatic leaders motivate and inspire the workforce; encourages the importance of camaraderie, collaboration, and teamwork; involves good listening skills, hence employee queries do not go unheard; and creates a sense of positive change.For the cons side, charismatic leaders might display narcissism and shift the focus from their people to themselves; leaders might become self-serving; and often viewed as shallow or disingenuous.Characteristics of charismatic leadershipGayan (2021) identified the significant characteristics of Charismatic Leaders as depicted in the photo below.Humility. Having a sense of humility is exceptionally important for charismatic leaders. They need to treat every employee with equal respect and dignity to listen to their concerns patiently. Humility promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They just let the employee know their value and show them how their contributions improve the company's strategic interests.Maturity. Even though leaders have a strong and powerful personality, charismatic leaders also display maturity and character. They do not believe in making blanket statements, but they use their accumulated knowledge and business experience to help an organization grow. They welcome and respect every individual belonging to various cultures, ethnicities, races, sexuality and are bereft of gender binaries.Mature leaders are not afraid of accepting their mistakes and refrain from taking everything at face value. They learn from their mistakes throughout, and they never miss out on an opportunity to learn from others. Substance. Charisma indeed exists without substance but not for a long time. The glitzy and glamorous appearance will capture people's attention, but gradually, employees will want something substantial beneath the facade.Charismatic leaders must talk the talk and walk the walk. Charm will get the attention and face time while substance will close the deal. There must no fake promises to employees. Deliverance of promises is a must, and this garners employee's trust in return.Communication. Charismatic leaders hold extremely refined skills in communication. Helping employees through tough times and making them stay grounded during tough times is the motto of this kind of leadership, who must be equally good at one-to-one meetings and communicating in a group setting. Message should hold relevance, clarity and understanding for employees to follow and relate with it.Confidence. Without a doubt, charismatic leaders hold an enormous confidence level to influence and persuade a large audience. They know themselves in and out and do not try to become somebody else. They are original and comfortable being who they are.A charismatic leader must have the ability to transfer this level of confidence to their workforce. A leader can find various opportunities to do this �one way is by implementing a successful reward and recognition program.Good listening skills. Charismatic leaders are excellent listeners. They don't fidget or fiddle when interacting with those below the hierachy. They are fully engaged in the conversation and listen to each and everything carefully. Active listening is an acquired skill for leaders must have the patience to listen to their employees' concerns with utter diligence without being vindictive.Body language. One thing prominently noticeable in charismatic leaders is their positive body language. They are warm, open, and full of joy with their appearance. They usually making eye contact while talking to people and always greet people with a smile.These leaders have an endearing swagger and are authentic by all means. Such leaders inspire people to be themselves and act as role models for employees to look upon. They are allowing people to perform at their very best level with their welcoming body language.Benefits of Charismatic LeadershipThe identified benefits of charismatic leadership among stakeholders are as follows:– Charismatic leaders work toward a quality of life.– They seem to make life better for every individual working in an organization.– They build courage for conviction.– They stand up for people who have different opinions about society and the organization.– They fill the communication gaps between the organization and the employees.– They motivate employees and inspire people for better productivity.They help promote collaboration and team building.Without any doubt, an organization being led by charismatic leaders will redound to its success – both for the leaders themselves and their followers, in particular, and the organization, in general. Dr. Antonio G. Papa is a retired university professor at the College of Economics, Management and Development Studies, Cavite State University in Indang, Cavite. In 2018, he served as a scientist 1 and consultant at Marinduque State College in Boac, Marinduque. He is a graduate of both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in extension education at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, College, Laguna in 1986 and 1991, respectively.
