Question

Create a new thread for your post and, in a single post, respond to each of the following questions:

1. Why is the theory of charisma described as a double edged sword? Please share at least 2 examples of this and explain why.
2. How does Transformational Leadership differ from Charismatic Leadership? What are at least 2 examples of Transformational Leaders and explain why? 450 words

Answer 1

Why is the theory of charisma described as a double-edged sword?

Charismatic leadership is often referred to as a double-edged sword. This is due o the influence which the leader exerts over his/her followers. While it has positive outcomes, there are equal chances of getting negative outcomes from charismatic leadership too

Charismatic leaders create exceptional followers who believe in the promise of the leaders. This means they directly relate the attainment of the goal with the path the leader is showing. The questions are seldom asked to charismatic leaders by his/her followers.

An example of this can be many. Martin Luther King Jr. was a charismatic leader who led his followers and people towards a fair and just society and demanded equal rights for his people. He made his followers believe that they could attain their goals through his empowering speeches which are revered even today.

On the contrary, Hitler was a charismatic leader as well. He demanded utmost loyalty from his followers and led them to create one of the darkest chapters in the world's history - the holocaust.

Therefore, it is clear that while charismatic leadership can help followers in attaining giddying heights of success, the opposite of falling to the lowest of lows is also possible.