Spirit of Leadership

THE SPIRIT OF LEADERSHIP manage, and direct the life, future, fortunes, and aspirations of the un-chosen.

Myth #3 Leadership Is the Result of a Charismatic Personality

This is the theory that only certain individuals who pos sess a unique measure of charisma; who exhibit special traits, such as a force of will; who are extroverts; who are magnetic speakers, and so on, are leaders. The difficulty with this theory is that, in every generation, there arise significant leaders who do not display the charismatic traits celebrated by this philosophy. In many cases, leaders emerge from the unique circum stances of the times in which they live without manifesting any special charisma. Sometimes, it takes a crisis for some one to step forward and reveal his or her leadership ability. Certain people’s past or present status as leaders should not keep us from acknowledging that other people—including ourselves—are potential leaders in particular spheres or cir cumstances of life.

Myth #4 Leadership Is the Product of a Forceful Personality

This theory emerges from the belief that leadership is the result of an authoritarian, coldly calculating, no-nonsense, hard-driving, impatient, quick-tempered, and moody person ality. This false perception comes from the idea that people are fundamentally incompetent and naturally lazy and have to be forced, threatened, and manipulated by their leaders and managers if anything is going to be accomplished. However,

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