The Danger of Being a Charismatic Leader
I used to work under a charismatic leader. He was smart, handsome, always smiled, a “visionary”, and knew ways to connect with people. He spearheaded new initiatives, new programs, and new projects (which he was head of). The problem is when he left all the initiatives, programs, projects, AND people were gone as well–everything he created vanished! It was like he was never there.
Granted, he had leadership problems to contend with–the person over him wasn’t focused on growth. And since an organization will only go as far as its leader will take it, he couldn’t go as far as he wanted to. After a while he got tired of banging his head against a “bronze” ceiling and left.
The problem with most charismatic leaders is that WHATEVER they create leaves with them. According to Jim Collins they’re “time-tellers”:
“Having a great idea or being a charismatic visionary leader is ‘time telling’; building a company [or ministry] that can prosper far beyond the presence of any single leader and through multiple product life cycles is ‘clock building.’” Built to Last: Success Habits of Visionary Companies, page 23
This is in stark contrast to being a leader of purpose.
Charismatic leaders tell the time; leaders of purpose build clocks.
Good Leadership Works Itself Out of a Job
Nothing’s wrong with charisma. But “larger than life” leaders are over-emphasized. A true leader is someone who can build or rebuild something that can outlast them. The differences between a charismatic leader and a leader of purpose are as follows:
CL: Are the “heart” of an organization.
LOP: Build the heart for an organization.
CL: Recruit followers.
LOP: Recruit and raise up leaders.
CL: Secure power for themselves.
LOP: Give power away to other competent leaders.
CL: When they leave, move, or die the organization falters.
LOP: When they leave move or die the organization prospers.
Look at Saul and David. David spent the remainder of his life preparing his successor, while Saul didn’t. So when David died Israel prospered without him. Unlike Saul, when he died his dynasty lagged “and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.” ( 2 Samuel 3:1 NKJV)
Your job as a leader is to build something that lives beyond you. All the success in the world means nothing if it crumbles after you leave!!
But what do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts and opinions….
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Comments
Wow Mike! I always thought charismatic leaders were good…but it seems leaders of purpose are better…thank you
So Mike are you saying Charismatic leaders are bad?
This isn't Mike…but i doubt he's sayingtheir bad…how could he? Dr. King was a charismatic leader…Peter was a charismatic leader…Jesus was a charismatic leader. So he couldn't be saying that…but I would love to hear what he has to say.
This is good…i mean this is really good. No offense Mike but this is really short and sweet—straight to the point. Would mind more of these at all!
i don't think she likes your longer posts Mike lol!
LOL! It's not that I don't like it…it just that this was short, sweet, and to the point. Len are you making trouble??
They really are Jennie! it takes much more strength and patience but the end result is soooo much better. Ive always been a fan of purpose driven organizations and the long lasting value they bring to the table. Charismatics are needed but LOP's are needed more.
I'm glad you enjoyed!
Absolutely not! It's not a sin for a leader to have charisma…but…in the long run it does pay for a leader to unite the organization around a common goal rather than them. Because if they die or leave whatever they build dies or leaves with them
Thanks for defending me Tom!
I actually replied to George above.
I'm wondering myself
So you don't like my lengthier stuff eh? I'm gonna write a 2000 word post and make sure to email it you LOL! Don't worry, no offense taken…I'm just happy you enjoyed it!
I had a mentor in my corporate years who used to tell me your leadership was measured by how well your department or division prospered once you left, not while you are there. I always believed that (because he was my mentor) and worked really hard to raise up leaders and put myself out of a job. It never backfired. The company always seemed to find new places for me. I think when we begin to believe we are indispensable is when the problem sets in.
Jesus never felt that way. As a matter of fact, He said He needed to leave so that God could send the Holy Spirit. He may have been charismatic but He was humble and a leader of purpose!
Great post Mike!
Thanks Sue!
I'm glad put you around the presence of a wise mentor! i really love your story and I think that might be a good post for your blog. Your story really sucked me in and I'm pretty sure it would do the same for your readers…just a thought!
Jesus always seemed to be getting the disciples ready when He would not be here. I never really appreciated it as much as I do now. What an awesome example He was!
Thank your for your comments. Check your Twitter stream…I really am jealous about your daughter's brownies
Be blessed!
Wisdom that any US President should keep in mind
Reminds me of Matthew 7:24-27. Build on rock not sand. Build to endure. Resist the temptation of instant gratification and short term gains and instead build for the future. What a gift it is as a leader to leave someplace better off than how you got it.
Its funny you say that I just remembered this Scripture:
"And they found rich, good pasture, and the [cleared] land was wide, quiet, and peaceful, because people of Ham had dwelt there of old [and had left it a better place for those who came after them]." 1 Chronicles 4:40 AMP
What a gift it is indeed!
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