What is the Impact of Critical Thinking on Charismatic Leadership?

Edward Brown, M.S., of Core Edge Image & Charisma Institute responds to questions about the impact of critical thinking on the charismatic leadership model.

Q: What significance does critical thinking have on charismatic leadership?

Brown: The research suggests that the “visioning” trait often attributed to charismatic leaders is not the “pie in the sky” notion of merely dreaming up a mission or crusade. In fact, this visioning by charismatic leaders is merely a highly evolved critical thinking skill set.

Q: Interesting. Why do you believe charismatic leaders aren’t given more credit for this critical thinking skill as opposed to being seen merely as great self-promoters?

Brown: The passion, oratory, and “big picture” thinking of charismatic leaders overshadow the process that brings everything together. Charismatic leaders may not explain the process as eloquently as they do in articulating the mission ahead. They don’t bog down employees and followers with what they may perceive as unnecessary details. Moreover, people don’t necessarily care about the minutia of the details.

Q: So, if people become better critical thinkers, does this translate into them becoming more charismatic?

Brown: The goal of developing this research is for business and corporate dwellers to emulate the habits of charismatic leaders for organizational development. If individuals effectively use public speaking, critical thinking, and advanced interpersonal communication skills like charismatic leaders to enhance corporate productivity and profitability, they may be perceived as being charismatic. Stockholders want whatever skills increase corporate revenue for their dividends.

Q: What, if any, critical thinking model do you follow?

Brown: Recently, I developed the IBAR Critical Thinking Method. This was a result of my research showing that companies wanted employees with greater critical thinking skills. The IBAR Critical Thinking Method is geared toward solving business problems. I took my law school, master’s degree program, and business experiences and formulated a critical thinking method that even a high school student can use to solve business problems.

Q: What does IBAR stand for?

Brown: IBAR stands for: Issue, Benchmarking, Analysis/Application, and Recommendation. The process involves dissecting the problem, looking at best practices and industry leaders, analyzing and applying outcomes, and recommending solutions.

Q: So, what do you predict will be the essential career skills necessary for thriving in the global economy?

Brown: Based on the current research, leadership, decision-making, critical thinking, and communication skills are essential for increasing productivity and profitability within companies. If you are not making or saving the company money, you are expendable. But, that’s not new. This is the case within any economy. Fierce competition in the marketplace makes these skills indispensable, now more than ever, for long term success.

For more information on developing charismatic leadership skills, visit: Charisma