The Dark Side of Charisma
- 1. The Dark Side of CHARISMA! The word CHARISMA refers to compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire others. Some of the words that can help us understand the magnitude of the word CHARISMA are Charm / Presence / Aura / Personality / Force of personality / Strength of Character and Individuality. We're often attracted to charismatic people, even though charisma itself can mask one's motives Social scientists are of the opinion that there are actually two types of charismatic people: 1. People Oriented (Inclusive, Serve Collective Needs – Foster Community) 2. Self Oriented (Exclusive, Self Interest, Ulterior Motives – Foster Insecurity) 1. People oriented charismatic person has the innate ability to visualize and plan the Scenario and actually involve others in believing & achieving. Their associations are energized more by principles and ideas. Self oriented charismatic person has the ability to capitalize on others. They cannot think beyond themselves. Their associations are more for self gain. 2. People oriented charismatic person wilfully takes the responsibilities and avoid making excuses as they know how to articulate possibilities and opportunities from adversities. Their association foster sense of being part of a community. Self oriented charismatic person avoid taking responsibilities and exploits people for their personal advantage. They lack in ability of articulating possibilities from adversities as they believe in spending time in victimizing situations. 3. People oriented charismatic person usually avoid focusing on power and position. Their association foster sense of security and belongingness Self oriented charismatic person has a very fragile ego and are extremely possessive about their power and position. 4. People oriented charismatic person’s association foster environment that are psychologically safer where people have the space they need to develop. Self oriented charismatic person’s association fosters environment only to realize that the grandiosity never extended past their own persona and people work really hard on their behalf, thinking they’re advocating or looking out for them, when in fact they may not even be on their agenda. They are more interested in using their association’s goals and aspirations to support their own agenda Take Away: Charisma can be deceiving and seductive, but by paying attention to some of the above mentioned less obvious cues one can get smarter about who to follow and who to disregard. CA Vinod Kr. Sharma – 1st June, 2016