Charismatic leadership approach is a type of leadership that relies on persuasiveness and charm of a leader. It is worth noting that charismatic leaders are mostly driven by commitment and conviction to their cause. There are many leaders in the world that have used charismatic leadership approach. They include Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., as well as Malcolm X just to mention a few. Charismatic leader poses various leadership qualities that drive their unwavering commitment towards changing the lives of many people in a positive way. The paper is streamlined towards analyzing the leadership approach of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, as well as comparing and contrasting their leadership qualities (King, 1999).
Mahatma Gandhi is one of the important charismatic leaders in Indian history. It is believed that he was a self-made leader who focused on the wellbeing of many people in society. He was viewed as the symbol of truth in India due to his absolute leadership. Through his leadership approach, Gandhi was able to influence successfully and motivate many people through his deeds and words (Bligh & Robinson, 2010). Gandhi was a task model for all people, and he won their trust and respect through actions. His charismatic leadership qualities He expressed cooperation, endurance, non-violence, and commitment in the quest for independence in India. Gandhi uses his charismatic leadership approach to enhance his idealized influence. For example, during the struggle for independence Gandhi utilized non-violent modes against British colonial rule. Also, he inspired millions of people who followed his ideal leadership.
He used his charismatic leadership to drive Indians towards independence. There were disagreements between Muslims and Hindus on issues of political power. Their disagreements were streamlined towards dividing power in India. Mahatma Gandhi became an icon of unity and opposed the idea of partitioning India (Bligh & Robinson, 2010). He solved the disagreements through his answer that he was a Hindu, a Jew, a Christian, a Muslim and a Buddhist. Also, through charismatic leadership approach, he called for personal boycotts of foreign products, which he did it silently. He believed that people would follow what he does. Charismatic leaders are characterized by their actions that will lead other people to a specific idea. Through his leadership, many people in India became devoted to using non-violent ways to build their country.
Martin Luther King Jr. is also another leader that used charismatic leadership approach. Martin Luther was a charismatic leader who reached real greatness by driving improvements and change in difficult situations. Martin Luther was a skilled communicator and verbally eloquent. On the same note, he communicated to people with deep emotional level. Through his vision, he captivated the emotions of his followers (Carson). Luther persuaded his followers with a great level of confidence. In his speeches, Luther used metaphors and symbolism to communicate to his followers. Martin advocated for change through non-violent methods.
Martin Luther used his charismatic approach to bring change in the United States. He played a crucial role in advancing civil rights. He fought for the fair treatment of the poor, and racial equality. Through his leadership discrimination based on gender, religion and race were outlawed (Lucks, 2015). Also, he used his speeches to ignite movements for equal rights and freedom in America and beyond. In a critical analysis, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther used charismatic approach to motivate people positively. The charismatic approach of Martin Luther and Mahatma Gandhi are similar in various ways. They both inspired people to work together and fight for their rights and freedom (Cren, 1971). Both leaders were courageous and focused on common goals. They streamlined their motivation towards non-violent methods in society.
References
Bligh, M. C., & Robinson, J. L. (2010). Was Gandhi “charismatic”? Exploring the rhetorical leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Leadership Quarterly, 21(5), 844-855. doi:10.1016/j.leaqua.2010.07.011
Carson, C. Martin Luther King Jr.: Charismatic Leadership in a Mass Struggle. The Journal of American History
Cren, P. R. (1971). Spiritual leadership and social reform: Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) and Martin Luther King (1926-1968). In, concrete Christian life (pp. 77-92). New York: Herder and Herder.
King, M. (1999). Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr: The power of nonviolent action. Paris: Unesco Publ.
Lucks, D. S. (2015). Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Riverside Speech and Cold War Civil Rights. Peace & Change, 40(3), 395-422. doi:10.1111/pech.12136
