Discussion Post
Introduction
The Charismatic leader and the transformational leader can have many similarities. A charismatic leader may be transformational. A charismatic leader may come to the fore during a crisis. An example is when 9/11 happened, leaders rose to the occasion. New York City's Mayor Giulianni, who up to that point, was not always seen in a positive light, emerged as an insightful, smart, compassionate and powerful leader in the days, weeks, and months that followed. NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly led New York City in counterterrorism and the counterterrorism unit became a sought after model for law enforcement operations throughout the country and in many other countries.
Can just anyone emerge is a charismatic and transformational leader? We see people emerge as leaders all the time in response to crisis. Firefighters race into burning buildings. Someone will jump into a raging river to save a dog. The need and the goal are usually time-sensitive and inspire action from someone. Not everyone can respond. Being prepared to respond is one of the key elements. Training and practice lead to preparedness to respond to situations. Effective charismatic and transformational leaders have an ability to share a vision to a group of people using a strong presence and an ability to communicate that is above the norm.
Political leaders who lack an ability to communicate in a strong way, even though they may have great ideas, have a difficult time climbing to the top because they are not able to communicate in a strong and powerful way. Charismatic leaders have a strong bond with their followers. Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Mother Theresa are examples of leaders who were both charismatic and transformational. Those who have a natural charisma tend to have an activist mind-set and we find them involved in political and social causes. Transformational leaders usually follow a career-path that brings them to a point of leadership where their transformational abilities come to the fore. Examples of transformational leaders are Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandella, Sigmund Freud, Benjamin Franklin, Adolf Hitler, and Samuel Goldwyn.
Initial Post Instructions
Different types of power and influencing tactics were discussed in your reading. Think about the characteristics of a charismatic leader and of a transformational leader. What type of power is the charismatic leader and the transformational leader most likely to be associated with? Explain why.
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.