The myth of the charismatic leader.

The myth of the charismatic leader.

By Hugo A. Contreras Avendaño

I see the shapes and the energy with which the opposition candidate Henrique Capriles Hugo Chavez-- addresses his electorate and just seeing the same style, intent and offering the expectation of the charismatic leader that offers a departure for Venezuela.

There are styles that are accepted. Sought and valued as intrinsically good. The tone of voice, body language, all of this is appealing to a people who seek and still looking for the leader to take them to a better life.

From the pragmatism of organizations, this charismatic leader paradigm has slowly been disappearing. While there are people who joined his charisma, have a great capacity for concrete actions and achieve objectives, the subculture of charisma as the only moral authority argument has worn.

Organizations are looking for visionary leaders who are capable of passing enthusiasm for achieving future expectancy, but based on objectives, strategies, lines of Action and ongoing assessments.

Some of the directors of the largest companies in Mexico, have not exactly been the model of the charismatic leader, but focused more on structuring an organization that will support the future, the ravages of the environment and the confrontation with temporary failures.

While it is still accepted in Latin America and seeks the model of the charismatic leader as an icon of aspiration ideal, examples abound of those obtained with media capabilities public or private responsibility for directing and once in the exercise of authority, offer catastrophic results.

Hence today be shocking figures artificial construction by large masses liar call touting the figure of a leader in recognizing and under unlimited capacity.

The charisma is relevant to assertively who recognizes his talents and limitations and therefore is reliable even in moments misleading, because there is no better example of strength who knows fallible.

I look out and I see America still tempted to continue to build the model of leader who knows them all, that everything and everyone can applaud him because never wrong. For our own good, hopefully soon disappear paradigm.