Fidel Castro and Winston Churchill. Jesus and Mohammed. All exemplify charismatic leadership, one of the three forms of leadership classified by sociologist Max Weber.

At the heart of Weber’s classification is a belief in the “exceptional sanctity, heroism or exemplary character of an individual”. Significantly, it is a neutral term, implying neither good nor evil. Hitler, for example, was a charismatic leader as was Mohandas Ghandi.

One of the most fascinating attributes of charismatic leadership is that followers are drawn to the individual because of their personality or charisma. Like Ghandi, they do not have to hold a position of authority in order to inspire or lead people.

Instead, followers may see the leader as a parental figure who will nurture and guide them or as a prophet who can reveal higher truths. The leader may also be heralded as a hero based on previous triumphs or as a person of integrity, regarded for living by strong principles.

In recent years, charismatic leadership has fallen out of favor. Yet, it still plays a role in our society. When a Fortune 500 company needs a CEO to turn the tide of failing fortunes or a lackluster political party wants to boost its popularity in the polls, a charismatic leader can be relied upon to inspire renewed faith and optimism among the ranks.

Despite the naysayers, charismatic leadership can benefit society in multiple ways.

• Vision: these leaders express a compelling view of the future.
• Passion: they embody their belief.
• Energy: they commit boundless energy to realizing their goals.
• Creativity: they develop solutions to the problems that bog others down.
• Inspiration: they arouse confidence, faith and belief in their followers.

Given such positive associations, why would anyone question the role of charismatic leadership in our society today? The answer lies in how easily faith can be misplaced. When we consider a cult like that of the notorious Jim Jones, we can see how blindly following a leader can bring about pain, suffering and death.

Even in the service of a worthy cause, there are negative aspects to charismatic leadership. Heroic self-sacrifice, for example, can jeopardize family relationships and physical or financial health.

As history reveals, however, charismatic leadership can also be a positive and beneficial practice. The key lies in whether or not it is carried out ethically. In the best of all possible worlds, leaders act in the interests of their followers. Furthermore, they encourage their followers to take responsibility for their actions and ultimately become leaders themselves.

This is radically different from a situation like that created by Jim Jones or other cult leaders, where followers are required to accept the leader’s demands without question, regardless of how it affects them.

Too often, the latter is the situation that comes to mind when we think about charismatic leadership. Yet, when we look at the contributions of some exemplary leaders we can see how greatly it has benefited our world in the past and how much we continue to reap from it today.

Building a corporate culture of creativity as well as accepting new ideas will capture the talent, energy and commitment of employees. Take 3 minutes to watch the movie “A Peacock in the Land of Penguins” to inspire you and your team.

Are you a leader

When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don’t seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to be? You see people milling around but nothing gets accomplished. And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that – goals. Then maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it.

Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And it isn’t unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen – to be the head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership just suits you fine.

Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership.

You must also remember that good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.

First of all, let’s define leadership. To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group.

Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a leader not a boss.

First of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this accomplished?

People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don’t follow me, I’m lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you’re headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all.

You yourself must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear sense of hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization’s goals and objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show others you know what you are doing.

Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It’s about who you are, what you know, and what you do. You are a reflection of what you’re subordinates must be.

Studies have shown that one other bases of good leadership is the trust and confidence your subordinates have of you. If they trust you they will go through hell and high water for you and for the organization.

Trust and confidence is built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and high ethics.

The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger your relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities.

Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to communicate the goals and objectives you are to undertake.

Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you can not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people.

Also, you can not be a good leader and unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution.

It is this judgment that your subordinates will come to rely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your organization.

Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know everything, and you should not rely upon your skills alone.

You should recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your subordinates have. Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesive unit.

Remember being a leader takes a good deal of work and time. It is not learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not about just you. It is about you and the people around you.

So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve required of leaders? Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start now. Take your stand and be leader today.

Following leadership article is from ArtWilliams.com
“The only sure way for your people to lose is if they give up. Your lack of encouragement should never be the reason a person quits. A leader must always keep believing in people, no matter what.”

No. 1 – Have confidence in your people.

• See each person as a winner.
• Expect success from everyone.
• Let people know you think they can win.

No. 2 – Recognize each accomplishment, no matter how small.

• Show people that you know what they do.
• Make each small accomplishment seem major – it really is.
• Make your praise public – people love to be recognized among their peers.

No. 3 – Sell the dream, again.

• Never think you can stop “selling the dream.”
• People need to be constantly reminded of the rewards of their hard work.
• Encourage people to talk about their personal goals and dreams. (You could have a “dream” session and ask each person to tell his personal “success dream.”)

No. 4 – Don’t give up on people when they make mistakes.

• Live with them through the tough times, as well as the easy times.
• Care about each person as an individual.
• Allow people to learn from their mistakes. Never criticize.

AND…Never be guilty of giving up AS A LEADER.

Public Speaking

If the idea of getting up in front of a large crowd makes you feel ill, then
you may need to use public speaking tips as a way to calm your nerves and
learn how to overcome stress. These simple, but effective, suggestions will
help make giving speeches an easier thing. While we certainly cannot claim
that they will cure your nervousness (this is not magic, after all), we can
guarantee that using these public speaking tips will make the burden less of
one. While you may still hate having to give a speech, you will better know
how to handle yourself during one. And that can make all the difference.

Some helpful public speaking tips:

One: know your material. The worst thing you can do is show up unprepared.
Of all public speaking tips, this is the one you have to remember. Even if
you are not naturally gifted with speech-making and even if you cannot
manage more than a mono toned voice, you can still convey a message if you
know your material. It does not matter how charming you are or how witty you
can be; you need to know the information. Come prepared.

Two: know your audience. What sort of occasion is this? A wedding
reception? A business presentation? Understand who you are speaking with so
you can form something appropriate. You can turn any fact into something
suitable, if you just take the time to think about what the audience will
best respond to.

Three: practice. This should be among the most obvious of public
speaking tips. Just showing up to improvise is not a smart choice. Some
people can manage to do this; they thrive on spontaneity and pressure. Most,
however, do not. You should practice, reciting your speech and knowing
everything about it. It should be a second nature to you, not something you
wing at the last second.

Four: remember to move. Standing behind a lectern, clutching at its sides,
does not inspire confidence. Feel free to move about the area, use hand
gestures and connect with your audience through body language. It can
instantly send a message of conviction and confidence, even if you are a
complete mess inwardly. This will also keep you from unconsciously shuffling
papers or tapping your feet, nervous habits that will distract the audience.

Five: fake it. For the last of our public speaking tips, we encourage you
to fake ease. Even if you hate speeches, even if you are nothing more than
stress and panic, fake confidence. Smile, nod, make eye contact: do
everything you have to for a positive message. While this is not always
easy, it is necessary. You do not have to charm your audience, but you do
have to make them listen. Confidence will do that. Of course, it helps if
you believe in what you are saying but, even then, you may need to pretend.
Do everything you can to look casual. If this means you have to study body
language and mimic it, do so. If you have to practice for hours at a time to
learn every word so you won’t have to worry about forgetting your place, do
so. When it doubt, smile and fake how nervous you are.

With these public speaking tips, you can make the transition from an awkward
speaker to, at least, a more capable one.