Charisma is Overrated

Leaders who last over time do so because of the simple and apparently "ordinary" self-leadership disciplines they embrace. When evaluating a leader (or yourself) do not be overly impressed with extraordinary charisma for that is largely an image created and perpetrated for the purposes of influence. Neither is it wise to be awed by substantial gifting evident in a leader for gifting is often the offspring of DNA and circumstance and does not ensure substantial character.  Charisma and gifting without substantive self-leadership structures to support them are an accident waiting to happen.

Coincidentally, though it may seem counter-intuitive, growing influence can be a significant factor in the plateau and decline of a leader. Very simply stated…..at the point which a leader's influence and responsibility outgrow their self-leadership habits they reach a juncture in their lives where the current patterns of behavior can no longer sustain the "weight" of their life and they do one of three things:

•        Maintain current behaviors w/ declining results (Plateau and Decline)

•        Resort to escape behaviors (Destruction)

•        Assess & Adjust (Renewal) – Develop new habits.

A key part of self-leadership is to constantly assess the impact and effectiveness of habits as leadership influence grows.

Of all the leadership tasks you are involved in….leading yourself will consistently be the most crucial and demanding.  Making time to lead the person you have the most responsibility and influence over is the best investment you will make in a life full of meaning and impact.

Dan Scarrow

District Superintendent
North Central District of The C&MA