Charismatic and Transformational Leadership
I believe that any charismatic leader should demonstrate that he or she is an open-minded and communicative person. The main message is always being delivered through contestations and speeches, so that a good leader with charisma should be a good orator as well. Charismatic leaders have a feeling of compassion and empathy. A leader can only lead people whom he or she understands and fully support. Followers also would join and believe in only those people who show their feelings and inspire others. It is also important for charismatic leaders to have confidence and a strong belief in the common goal. Their persuasiveness and positive body language should motivate followers to act. Good leaders should understand that there is always room for improvement, so that self-monitoring and self-awareness should be also a part of their attitude (“10 Charismatic Leadership Characteristics”).
For example, people of Jonestown were all under the influence of a very charismatic leader whose name was Jim Jones. People were willing to die than to let foreigners to enter their city and fail to support Jim Jones and the residents of Jonestown. They were so faithful to their leader that believed him without any doubt and participated in everything that he planned. They did not get any news from outside, or even if they did, they did not believe to foreigners (Hanson). Charisma and talent of their leader overwhelmed and persuaded every resident. Despite their lives were so harsh and punishing, they were choosing to stay and pay their tribute to their native city and their leader. In my opinion, only the most powerful and the most talented leaders can recall such kind of devotion among their followers.
Works Cited
“10 Charismatic Leadership Characteristics.” Scout. Scouts, n.d. Web. 22 June 2016. http://yscouts.com/10-charismatic-leadership-characteristics/
Hanson, M. “The Jonestown Massacre.” Alternative Considerations of Jonestown & Peoples Temple. Jonestown. Sdsu.edu, n.d. http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=61393
