The Institutional Affiliation
“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought” - this true and inspiring quote belongs to one of the most charismatic leaders of all times, Pope John Paul II. Him and many other leaders who used similar approach, managed to influence not only the life on millions of people but the past and present of many countries. They inspired, encouraged, lead the masses and changed the history which, indeed, would have been different without them.
Most of the world’s most famous leaders are characterized as charismatic. In the history, they are recorded as the persuasive and powerful personalities. Same as transformational leaders, they tend to reach great number of followers and easily communicate with large audiences, however, charismatic leaders’ words and actions are based rather on their own passion than on a commonly accepted rules or methods. Similarities between the charismatic and democratic or autocratic leadership include taking responsibility, increasing productivity, etc. key differences are rationality, skills, and methods of achieving the result.
I absolutely agree that charismatic leaders are the most interesting and impressive individuals. Not only have they caused changes that had an impact on communities and whole countries but influenced significantly the course of the world history. Pope John Paul II, Mother Theresa and many others used their power and charisma to make the world a better place. The first one, also known as Karol Wojtyla, was born in Poland in 1920. He devoted his life to people and preached piece, love and freedom.. He served the church and released a number of works concerning abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, debt forgiveness, social justice. He had clear and convincing opinion on the most problematic issues including Iraq war, organized crime, Persian gulf war, genocides, controversial theories, political scenarios, sexual views, etc.
Not all charismatic leaders are portrayed as good and positive. Some of them cause an ambiguous impression and are accused of bringing trouble, war and distraction. Vladimir Putin, the Russian Federation president, is one of such leaders in the modern world. His uses his leadership skills to dominate and strengthen his power. Formally, Russia is a democracy, freedom of press, political and other views are quite limited in the country. Vladimir Putin rules Russia since 2000 and managed to control it even when he didn't hold the post. In 2008, when he could not participate in the third in a raw elections, he supported a candidacy of the Prime minister, his best friend and faithful political partner. Putin uses his leadership to control and gain the authority, he doesn't neglect the opportunity to interfere in other countries by any means. Putin believes in his lead rather than in the equality of nations.
Putin is a political leader while Karol Wojtyla was a religious leader, however, both of them demonstrate a talent to act confidently and with conviction under any circumstance. They posses great charisma and ability to change opinions and believes. Both leaders use their skills to achieve their goal and communicate their views to others. Despite the above-mentioned similarities, Pope John Paul II has his own unique approach which lies in “ministering to the mass, but to the individual” (Real life catholic). Many wonder what is that draw a whole world to him? Pope visited all continents and was welcomed everywhere. People waited for days and weeks just to see and listen to one of the noblest men who have ever lived on our planet. His secret was in being open to the whole world, to people of all nationalities and religions, to children, adults, homeless and reach. He saw a good person in everyone and his faith, indeed, made them so.
Vladimir Putin, in the opposite, demonstrates excessive confidence and a reluctance to accept any criticism on his side. He believes in what he does even if the whole world protests against it. Putin is characterized by composure and harshness. Critics still argue that his life is remarkable. The Russian leader “stays resilient in the face of adversity, focused, knows what he wants, works hard, employs effective time-management, sizes opportunities without hesitation” (Akrim, R., 2016). During his life, Putin aims to win, to be the best, to compete and to destroy his opponents.
Generally, the two leaders, Pope John Paul II and Vladimir Putin have nothing in common except for being one of the most prominent leaders. Both are great speakers and charismatic individuals. However, they have always had different goals and methods of achieving them. As a matter of Fact, everything Vladimir Putin does is to fulfill his own needs while everything Pope John Paul II did, he did not for himself but for other people.
Reference page
Akrim, R. (2016, January 18). Secrets of Putin. Cloudswave. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
Real Life Catholic. (2013, December 7). What made John Paul II Truly Great? Real
Life Catholic official website. Retrieved July 28, 2016, from
http://reallifecatholic.com/portfolio-item/what-made-john-paul-ii-truly-great/
Riggio, R.E., PhD. (2012, October 07). What is charisma and charismatic leadership? Psychology Today. Retrieved July 28, 2016, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201210/what-is-charisma-and-charismatic-leadership
Spahr, P. (2016, January 25). What is charismatic leadership? Leading through personal conviction. St. Thomas University online. Retrieved July 28, 2016, from http://online.stu.edu/charismatic-leadership/
