Charisma was once a key word in discussions of leadership. It suggested that leadership was a gift from God. Today it is less commonly used. We are not comfortable talking about God. So the name has been changed to idealized influence. A person with idealized influence is inherently good, does things for a higher purpose and radiates positive energy. The person is an attractor.
Idealized influence comes to us when we embrace our most deeply held ambitions. Our most deeply held ambitions are not selfish. They are heroic. We all want to contribute. When we commit to create a result, when the result reflects our deepest values and when those values lead us to serve the common good, we step out of the normal life state. We are no longer passive or reactive. We are fulfilling a mission that matters.
We thus experience the unfolding of our best self and we love what we are doing. We therefore feel good about ourselves. We are filled with positive emotions and positive thoughts. We are filled with hope, optimism and enthusiasm. Enthusiasm comes from the Greek. It means being “filled with spirit” or “God in us.” It lifts other people.
When we are enthusiastic, we usually have an idea, vision or project that is giving us energy. When this happens others are often attracted and want to be part of that which we are creating. Charisma is not limited to a few gifted people. Charisma is the energy that is manifest in each of us when we chose to do that thing the universe has prepared us to do. When we make the choice to contribute, we attract people into a new, higher order of community. Even in the midst of the most secular hierarchy, people begin to share energy and potential escalates.
Reflection
Who do I know at work who has idealized influence?
Why drives people of idealized influence?
How could we use this passage to create a more positive organization?
