Charismatic leadership brings thrive and drive
When uncertainty prevails, people are looking for a charismatic leader to show the way in the dark, they want to follow a real torch-bearer to light up the path. Your team and followers are reading the daily news about inflation, interest rates and atrocities of war. Many feel stuck in the never ending flow of dystopic prognostications and visions. They are worried - worried for themselves and others close to them. The worries are often linked with issues that we simply cannot influence or decide by ourselves. This thinking pattern can create a circle of helplessness and anxiety. What will happen to me, to my family and the world?
Charismatic leadership is a leadership concept you can find a lot of readings about. The ability to ignite and engage your team with your own "role model" performance will without doubt be a decisive factor for success during periods of obscurity. On the other hand - it may go without saying - ending up with countless negativity-focused discussions about how people feel will not get you anywhere. A good one-to-one discussion is about future and actions, not about past and troubles.
Being present, boosting confidence and leading with own example are some of the traits of the charismatic leader. These are definetely not the times when you want to keep your distance and monitor things "from the balcony". You are needed on the frontline, in meetings and calls, not in your palace. Well executed charismatic leadership will create stronger teams with a heightened feeling of Unity and Purpose.
Whether you are an overly empathic, caring leader or a result-focused transactional leader, the outcome may not be what you wanted. High personnel turnover, percentage of sick leave days and number of longer periods of absence due to mental reasons - These are all truly critical KPIs when measuring leadership success in 2023. If these numbers are developing poorly, the direct and indirect costs will have a devastating effect to profitability, customer experience and finally result to a weakened competitive position in the market.
A charismatic leader can combine power and passion, communicate with sparkle and enthusiasm - give the utmost effort by him/herself. Every encounter with the leader feels meaningful and inspiring, quite the opposite to the newsfeed and daily chores.
Okay, so how to become more "charismatic"? Luckily, it is not something you are born with or without. All skills can be developed, also this one. Your next team meeting or one-to-one discussion can be more purposeful and engaging, just simply better and bring real results fast. You can make the impact.
Let's remember that studies and real-life experiences show one very strong correlation: The correlation between results and well-being at work. You are a living proof of that. Go and show it to your people now!