Edward Brown, M.S.
Researchers have criticized the charismatic leadership
model for not creating transformational leaders that thrive independently, but
building self-absorbed charlatans. Other
pundits suggest that, although charismatic leaders inspire loyalty within
employees and followers, charismatic leaders use people as pawns for their
ambition.
Using Daniel Halper’s book, Clinton, Inc., as a
reference point, Edward Brown, M.S., of Core Edge Police Professional
Development, provides questions and answers about the impact of charismatic
leadership on interpersonal relationships and organizational development.
Q: What has your latest research uncovered about the
psychodynamics of charismatic leadership?
Brown: Past research suggests that charismatic leaders
are narcissists, but to what extent was not qualified. This current research goes deeper into the inner sanctum of the charismatic mindset.
Q: So how narcissistic are charismatic leaders?
Brown: Extremely. My research shows that former President
Bill Clinton is known as a very engaging and awe-inspiring speaker, but the
dispensability he has for people is outlined in Halper’s, Clinton, Inc. Halper asserted that Clinton can be extremely cold and dispassionate towards
individuals that have outlived their usefulness to him. This assessment is in line with many of the
charismatic leaders in history. They have an unusual need to be adored and see
themselves as self-proclaimed heroes.
This lineage extends from Alexander the Great to Bill Clinton.
Q: What impact does narcissism have on the charismatic leadership model?
Brown: It sheds
light on the thinking and behavior of many charismatic leaders despite their
illusions. The love people have for charismatic leaders is mutually beneficial.
Charismatic leaders need to be esteemed by others who have a great desire to
worship a person or idea larger than themselves. Philosopher Thomas Carlyle
said that humans were hard-wired for hero worship. For balance, it is important
to realize the strengths and weaknesses of any leadership model.
Q: What’s the upside of charismatic leadership within law
enforcement?
Brown: Charismatic leaders are effective at building
morale and creating enthusiasm. Officers will go the extra mile for supervisors
that inspire them. The challenge of charismatic leaders is to ensure that
officers don’t see their “Dark Side” as well as their naked ambition. The emotionality that charismatic leaders
engender has more affect on followers than their less charismatic counterparts.
Q: Is there a
qualitative metric for determining whether someone falls into the charismatic
leadership category?
Brown: The Core Edge Image & Charisma Institute
defines Charismatic Leadership as "A leadership model where personality,
relentless determination and creativity are the basis for persuading and
influencing individuals toward productivity and/or profitability."
A complete qualitative measure for charismatic leadership
would entail the following:
• A transformation of standard thinking or operations
within an industry or profession
• Little to no distinction between the individual’s
personality and the service or product
• The creation of memorable experiences, which would
ordinarily be viewed as mundane
• A seismic shift within the organization or the people
around the leader
• The challenge to conventional wisdom
• A love/hate relationship with the leader
• Leadership emulation without compunction
Because charismatic leaders are performance driven, the
upside to their personalities is the ability to leave indelible marks on
organizational development. The late Steve Jobs’ impact on Apple comes to mind
despite his purported volatile temper.
Edward Brown, M.S., is a researcher and lead instructor
for Core Edge Police Professional Development.
Ed is a former Atlanta police officer and has trained command staff and
supervisors throughout the U.S. on communication and leadership development
skills.
He has advanced legal training from the University of
Dayton School of Law and a master’s degree from Mercer University in Public
Safety Leadership.
Ed is the author of nine books including: Police
Leadership: The Morale Driven Police Department and The A-Team: How to Be a Top
Police Department in Recruiting, Training and Retaining Employees available at
Amazon Kindle.
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