Ken Blanchard wrote a post today about being charismatic. He points out that charisma is not necessary for leadership, but in my comment I pointed out that while I agree, it does not seem to be the case in many situations.
I find that while the research is clear about the leadership traits we desire most (and need the most), we continually put people with less than ideal traits in positions of leadership. I know we all fall short on expectations, but what is the flaw in humans that compel us to give undue influence to those ego maniacs that seek it out?
Maybe, I answered my own question. I often say, that we will never have true leaders in the White House because leaders are busy leading other endeavors. We are left with ego maniacs that even when well-intentioned are unable to lead much of anything.
Great strife usually shines the light on leaders. Perhaps when life is going along OK, we don’t put as much emphasis on the need for great leadership. Instead, we elect to follow the most charismatic person with the least amount of baggage.
I don’t have an answer here, I’m just stating the obvious. Am I wrong? Please, someone correct me!