The Truth About Managing People, Third Edition

Truth 27. Charisma Can Be Learned

There is an increasing amount of evidence that supports the value of charisma in leadership. Many of our most visible leaders, both past and present, have stood out for their charismatic qualities. They include individuals such as John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Vince Lombardi, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Bill Clinton, and Mother Theresa.

What differentiates these charismatic leaders from their noncharismatic counterparts? Common characteristics of charismatic leaders include self-confidence, a strong vision that proposes a future better than the status quo, the ability to articulate the vision, strong convictions in the vision, and the willingness to enact radical ...