Leadership, a key concept in business management, is often perceived through the prism of charisma. Many business leaders imagine that to be a good leader, you have to inspire natural admiration, captivate crowds by its presence, or even seduce by a powerful and convincing speech. However, this vision can obscure a much more nuanced reality: it is quite possible to be an excellent leader without being perceived as charismatic. But how can a leader succeed in rallying his teams and arouse membership without this special aura that makes you dream?
Charisma: an asset, but not a sine qua no condition
Charisma is often described as an almost magnetic quality, capable of attracting others. In the professional environment, it is generally associated with figures of charismatic leaders like Steve Jobs or Richard Branson. These personalities seem to embody the ideal of the leader capable of motivating, inspired and mobilizing entire teams. Their force of conviction and their ability to seduce may seem like an essential condition for the success of a business.
However, charisma is only one aspect of others in the exercise of leadership. This character trait does not make a leader. It can certainly facilitate certain dynamics and make interpersonal relationships easier, but it does not guarantee the success of a business or the efficiency of management.
Leadership based on competence and listening
For many, being a good leader does not reside in the ability to captivate a room, but in the manner of managing a team, making thoughtful decisions and showing a clear vision. Leadership is above all a question of competence, strategy and listening. According to an INSEAD study in 2021, 68 % of employees consider that an effective leader must above all be competent in his field. The ability to solve problems, make judicious decisions and anticipate the issues to come is perceived as much more important than the simple ability to “inspire” or “charm”.
Thus, a leader who relies on his technical skills and his ability to guide his teams through difficult periods can quite succeed in mobilizing his staff without having to use charming artifices. This can be particularly relevant in companies where teams are looking for stability and expertise above all. A leader who knows how to offer concrete and reassuring solutions in moments of crisis, for example, will be able to strengthen his legitimacy much more than by simple words.
The importance of listening and empathy
A charismatic leader can certainly inspire his teams, but the real question is: how do these teams really feel? Human qualities such as empathy and listening are now recognized as essential in modern leadership. In 2020, a study by the Human Resources Management Observatory (OGRH) revealed that 72 % of employees consider that a leader for listening and attentive to their needs improves their performance. These qualities can be present even in leaders who are not perceived as particularly charismatic.
The ability of a leader to understand the needs of his employees, to take into account their concerns and to establish a climate of trust within the team is often more decisive than the ability to galvanize his troops by a passionate discourse. The leadership that favors humans, who is ready to recognize his mistakes and adjust his decisions according to the team feedback, is a leadership that inspires respect and loyalty.
A question of inclusive leadership
A non -charismatic leader can stand out by adopting an inclusive leadership style. This type of leadership is based on cooperation, recognition of the diversity of talents and the valuation of each member of the team. This model, increasingly acclaimed, aims to ensure that each individual feels involved in collective success. It is widely shown that the most efficient teams are those where the members feel listened to, supported and valued.
This does not mean that the leader must play an erased role or become invisible. On the contrary, a good inclusive leader knows how to make decisions, give directives and direct the company firmly, but it does so in a spirit of collaboration and sharing. A study carried out in 2022 by AT Kearney firm from 500 French leaders showed that 65 % of managers promoting participative and inclusive leadership obtained results higher than those of more authoritarian or charismatic leaders.
The limits of charisma
A charismatic leader can certainly arouse admiration in the short term, but a badly exploited charism can sometimes become counterproductive. One of the main risks lies in the creation of a dynamic of dependence around the leader. If the team is excessively based on their personality to move forward, it can slow down the autonomy of the members, and reduce the team’s ability to operate independently. The charismatic leader is also likely to be isolated in his role as a “savior” or central figure, which can create tension as soon as this leader is absent or encounters difficulties.
On the contrary, a leader who is not focused on his own image, but who works to strengthen the capacities of others, can create a more autonomous and more robust team dynamic. Such leadership can be much more lasting and resilient, because it is based on solidarity and cooperation rather than a bond of dependence.
