Charisma has been defined as a magnetic personal attraction that draws others to the leader, making them feel better about themselves. Effective leaders do well to develop some level of Charisma.
The Greek word for Charisma means “gift.” Everyone posses a degree of charisma. The role of leadership is to give it away to others; good charismatic people are others-centered. They always have the interest of others at heart. In these chapters we find King Ahab and Queen Jezebel who failed to demonstrate charisma for the good of the people. Here are a few things to ponder.
1. They set out to selfishly build their own kingdoms (1 Kings 22:8)
2. They used people in order to get ahead; anyone was expendable. (1 kings 19:2)
3. The worried about image and lived under false pretenses. (1 Kings 21:8-13)
4. They got angry when they didn’t get their way. (1 Kings 21:4)
5. They pretended to be someone they were not. (1 Kings 21:25-27)
6. They abused the authority they had been given, (1 Kings 21:18-19)
Instead of using and developing charisma to lead people effectively they allowed their position to control people and to use them. To build charisma, you have to have the good of others in mind. Leaders who think about others and their concerns before thinking of themselves develop charisma quickly.
How would you rate your own charisma? Are other people naturally attracted to you? Are you well liked? Listed are hindrances to charisma…see if you posses any of these?
1. Pride: Nobody wants to follow a leader who thinks they are better than anyone else…arrogant leaders lose the respect of others.
2. Insecurity: If you are uncomfortable with yourself, others will be, too. Only secure leaders can provide a secure atmosphere.
3. Moodiness: If people never know what to expect from you, they stop expecting anything. Eventually, they won’t even approach you.
4. Selfishness: People can tell if you are using them merely to reach your own goal. No healthy person stays for long in such an unhealthy environment.
5. Perfectionism: People respect the desire for excellence, but loathe unrealistic expectations. No one wants to feel the program is more important then they are.
6. Cynicism: People don’t want to be rained on by someone who sees a cloud around every silver lining. Negative leaders repulse healthy followers.
When our heart is for the good of others we lead, demonstrate and model healthy leadership which is attractive. I want to encourage you today to lead with charisma not control and provide for others the “gift” of leadership that rallies people to a cause that’s greater than any one person. Blessings
Chuck Pelham
Sources;
John Maxwell, Thoughts on Leadership
Jack Hayford, Spirit Filled life bible
