Analyzing political and religious leaders, Robert House developed this theory.
To him, charismatic leaders are said to possess superior debating and persuasive skills and technical expertise to foster attitudinal, behavioral, and emotional changes in their followers.
Leaders’ self-confidence, social sensitivity, and empathy foster charismatic attributions.
Situations like; crises requiring a dramatic change of followers dissatisfied with the status quo promote charismatic leadership.
Charismatic leaders are portrayed as wonderful heroes; unethical characteristics (using power: for personal gains, promoting personal vision, censuring critical or opposing views, imposing a decision, communicating one-way, etc.) are also associated with charismatic leaders.
A charismatic ethical leader creates transformation in organizations by motivating members so that they voluntarily identify with the organization and its standards of conduct and will seek to fulfill its purpose.
Charismatic leadership is one of the three leadership styles described by Max Weber, along with bureaucratic leadership and traditional leadership.
This style of leadership is based on the form of heroism or extreme character almost of defined origin.
Charismatic leadership is that kind of leadership where followers attribute heroic or extraordinary leadership abilities when they observe certain behavior.
In this type of leadership, leaders are viewed as having supernatural powers and abilities, the leader is viewed as a hero by followers, and leaders are followed because of personal trust and the charisma the leader exhibits.
Charismatic leaders inspire lots of enthusiasm in their terms and are very energetic in driving others forward.
They are very persuasive and effectively use body and verbal language.
Charismatic leadership may engender trust through visible self-sacrifice and taking personal risks in the name of their beliefs.
6 Characteristics of Charismatic Leadership
Vision
Leaders have a vision. They share a dream and direction that other people want to share and follow. The leadership vision goes beyond your written organizational mission and vision statements.
The vision of leadership permeates the workplace and is manifested in the actions, beliefs, values, and goals of your organization’s leaders.
Ability to Articulate the Vision
A great coaching leader creates a clear, compelling vision that inspires unprecedented creativity and performance. They know the power of words and use them masterfully to declare new and bold futures for the team.
Strong Convictions about the Vision
It can be difficult to determine your point of view in a world of conflicting politics, religions, and ideas.
However, you may find this lack of strong conviction stressful.
Not knowing what you believe can be very frustrating when you are asked to call upon your convictions to vote, make personal decisions, or represent an organization.
Though the findings have been inconsistent, the Encyclopedia of Religion and Society notes that many studies have suggested a connection between religion, one kind of strong conviction, and better mental health.
Behavior that is Out of the Ordinary
A leader in charismatic leadership has extraordinary power that is out of the ordinary.
Appearance as a Change Agent
A change agent has a strong ability to self-motivate. There will be many days when everyone around does not understand and will not offer props.
The change agent needs to find it within themselves to get up every day and come to work and risk being misunderstood and not appreciated, knowing that the real validation may be far in the future and may be claimed by someone else.
Environmental Sensitivity
The leader has the power to guess by overviewing any particular situation.
So here we can say that charismatic leadership is that kind of leadership that influences people to follow the command of the leader, and it makes the leader more popular with his followers.