Compare and Contrast: Charismatic and Transformational Leadership (Essay Sample)

Key Similarities and Differences Between Charismatic and Transformational Leadership
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Key Similarities and Differences Between Charismatic and Transformational Leadership
Charismatic leadership is sometimes used interchangeably with transformational leadership due to their numerous similarities. Charismatic and transformational leaders use motivation, persuasion, and empowerment to get project approval from subordinates (Hill, 2019). Additionally, both types of leaders set organizational directions that control individual and group performance. Transformational leaders adhere to the principle of adaptability and flexibility to vary their approach depending on the prevailing circumstances instead of being rigid and consistent (Hill, 2019). Successful leaders possess certain character traits necessary to motivate their subordinates to achieve the set organizational goals and vision (Wajdi, 2017). This essay aims to provide the key similarities and differences between charismatic and transformational leadership, such as communication skills and ability to inspire followers, origin and change, and the specific impacts of these leadership styles on followers.
There are various critical similarities between charismatic and transformational leadership. Both charismatic and transformational leaders instill a sense of pride in their followers and inspire them to focus on the set organizational goals instead of their selfish ambitions. Additionally, charismatic and transformational leaders possess excellent communication skills and competencies to articulate their vision to their followers (Murray, 2020). Communication entails listening keenly to others to understand their perspectives, emotions, and feelings, tied to the charismatic and transformational leadership theories. Possessing practical communication skills is a must for leaders to inspire others to accomplish their tasks. Effective leadership is built upon the ability of a leader to communicate directly and show empathy to others in the organization. Therefore, possessing effective communication skills enables charismatic and transformational leaders to express their ideas succinctly to their followers, ranging from company objectives to specific endeavors.
Charismatic and transformational leaders act as role models by reflecting the desired traits that their followers should possess. They are always considerate of their followers and seek ways to instill belief and confidence in their subordinates and trust them to achieve organizational objectives within their potential (Murray, 2020). Every person in the team possesses unique skillsets and talents that should be exploited to reach their full potential for the betterment of the organization. Additionally, charismatic and transformational leaders have complete faith and confidence in employees’ abilities and experience for optimal productivity. The interaction between charismatic and transformational leaders and their followers is based on shared goals, values, and beliefs (Khan et al., 2016). The aspects mentioned above are some of the key similarities between charismatic and transformational leadership.
Scholars have remarked that there are some differences between charismatic and transformational leadership. The main difference between charismatic and transformational leaders is their origin. In charismatic leadership theory, leaders are born with innate personality traits that cannot be acquired through learning (Murray, 2020). Additionally, they prioritize the needs of their followers above their selfish interests, which further makes them appealing to their followers. On the contrary, transformational leadership theory states that leaders are made and not born. Transformational leaders are highly flexible and adaptive since they are the change agents in the organization (Wajdi, 2017). Transformational leaders use persuasion to motivate their subordinates to focus on achieving the set organizational objectives instead of concentrating on unhealthy internal conflicts (Wajdi, 2017). They are focused on the wellbeing of their subordinates and empowering them to possess the needed skills and competencies to perform a given task as opposed to having followers.
Transformational leaders are revolutionaries concerned with the need to alter redundant processes to achieve improved productivity. On the contrary, charismatic leaders are interested in maintaining the status quo and show zero commitment to change (Murray, 2020). Moreover, whereas charismatic leaders are concerned with their selfish ambitions and need to achieve personal goals, transformational leaders are selfless and seek to empower their subordinates to achieve organizational goals (Khan et al., 2016). Furthermore, transformational leaders have an open mindset and welcome the input of their team members to improve processes. Conversely, charismatic leaders communicate their vision to their followers, who are supposed to adopt and implement it without questions. The elements mentioned above separate charismatic leaders from transformational leaders.
Charismatic and transformational leadership styles have a marked impact on their followers. Charismatic leaders use enchantment and seduction to articulate their ideas and vision to their followers. Charismatic leaders possess extraordinar