Some leaders are outgoing, charming, and self-assured. They are said to have “charisma” and a positive energy that people want to follow.
Other leaders are quieter, introverted, and thoughtful. While they have the self-confidence and experience to lead effectively, no one would say they exude magnetism or a unique allure.
What both sets of leaders must have in common is mission charisma.
When speaking of the purpose, mission, long-range goals, or vision of the organization, they become more articulate, animated, and positive. Their conviction and commitment to the mission and vision bring out a higher gear.
For those more taciturn leaders, this mission-centric charisma doesn’t make them any more charming, cool, smooth, or self-confident. But their pronounced enthusiasm and emotional energy, demonstrated in visionary language, emotional appeals, and powerful storytelling, serve to make them charismatic nonetheless.
What is often missed by those who study leadership style is that a leader can be charismatic about the mission and vision without displaying an outgoing style in other contexts.
Not everyone has personality-driven charisma, but almost any leader can get excited, in their own way, to project a mission-centric charisma of enthusiasm, passion, and commitment about the center spoke of what makes the organization great.
Organizations that become overly reliant on a leader with personality-driven charisma can experience many well-documented downsides.
However, there is never a worry over leaders who get excited or animated about purpose and vision. In fact, it’s a welcome offset to the common drawback of charismatic leaders who are known to focus too much of their attention on their own self-interests over that of the team.
Irrespective of their baseline style and demeanor, good leaders rise to the occasion and find a spirited way to communicate why the organization exists and where it is headed.
If, when discussing the core mission and opportunities ahead, a leader can’t express the vision with conviction, confidence, and energy, then many will be hesitant to engage or commit.
That’s why mission-centric charisma is so important.
How do you show up when discussing your organization’s purpose, long-range goals, and vision? Do people get to see a different side of you in those moments?
Many of the best leaders are quiet and deliberate thinkers who draw energy from inside themselves. But in moments where they communicate the mission and vision of the organization, they exude an articulate enthusiasm, rallying commitment and inspiring action through their passion for the cause.
A good leader doesn’t have to be smooth, charming, or outgoing. But they must be able to express that the mission and vision really matter to them. Intensely so.
A Daily Dispatch from the Front Lines of Leadership.
