A lot of people wonder if they can be a leader if they don’t have charisma. I’m not sure I really even know what charisma is.
I think what you need to do as a leader is be who you are. I think sincerity and caring are the qualities people look for in a leader—not some dashing person with charisma. Don’t feel you have to play some sort of a role and try to be something you’re not. On the other hand, if you’re a person who does have that extroverted style, don’t hold back. Be who you are, because that’s who people want to get to know.
Leadership is about being authentic. And it’s about reaching out to people in a way that says, “I think you’re important. And I’d like to help you be the best you can be.” People don’t care if you have charisma. They just want to know that you care about them.
How We Lead 
I get what you are saying and it makes sense especially in a life or death situation or even day to day when it “matters.” However, whether it is the way humans are wired or not, we tend to look for charisma in our leaders. It is probably because most of us are too superficial, but regardless of why kings of old, political leaders of today and CEOs are often charismatic and politically savvy (not necessarily the best leaders).
We know that true leaders lead from the front, middle and back depending on what is needed of them at any given moment. Copious amounts of research tells us about the most effective leadership traits. However, the weakness of human desire tends to raise up charismatic ego maniacs to “lead” us when what we need is substance, character, intestinal fortitude and conviction.
Bottom-line is that I agree with you about charisma not being a dominate trait necessary for leadership in the truest sense. However, that is how the masses are most persuaded. Celebrities seem to be the number one influencers in our consumer society. After all, leadership is the ability to influence followers to act. Charisma is a component of influence, I just wish people sought out a greater measures of substance.
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