Charismatic Leadership

 

Consider the case of President Barack Obama and his election in 2008. Obama presents many of the elements of charismatic leaders. The large number of volunteers who engaged in his campaign and supported him felt a strong emotional connection to him. Phrases such as “Yes we can” and “This is our time” occurred everywhere. Obama became a symbol of change and hope for many who, even without knowing much about him, felt a connection to him.

 

This type of relationship involves intense bond between leaders and their followers and goes beyond a simple exchange. The example of Obama shows that charisma is clearly in the eye of the beholder; followers make the charismatic leader. The following sections consider the three elements that are necessary for the development of charismatic leadership: (1) leader characteristics, (2) follower characteristics and (3) charismatic situation, including culture.