Charismatic Leaders Annoy Workers

A study of firefighters and college students found that charismatic leaders often annoy workers resulting in poor morale. According to the study by The University of Florida:

In their enthusiasm, charismatic leaders may talk too loudly and wave their hands excessively, which unnecessarily arouses employees and puts them in a bad mood, Erez said.

The second sample involved a survey of 264 firefighters from a major southeastern metropolitan fire department who lived and worked together.

The conventional wisdom is that being highly expressive is a good leadership practice, but this study raises doubts about whether the ability to arouse people is constructive in the workplace,” Erez said. “While it’s clear that charismatic leaders induce good moods, they could have an even greater positive influence by learning to control over-the-top behavior.”

Anyone seen an example of this type of leader?

Comments

[Ricky Koger]

Charismatic? Only to those who knew no better! Intimidating? Only to those who let him! For years the loud voice heard at fires was a dead give away to those who new better. If the incident commander is not in control of his self, what does that convey to his firefighters? To the public they loved it. They think he is doing his job. These are all signs of a man unsure of doing his job.

In 1992, the first interview for captain I was called to by this chief, I was asked why I had taken so many courses in incident command? I was asked by the father of this chief how the city differed on incident command, to give him one difference. I told this person and all others in the room that in IC the chief takes up a position and does not move. The reply I got was: One man can not see all four sides of the structure and how could I trust other people to give me the correct information. He stated our people could not be trusted to relay this important information. My reply was an answer on the exam that they had prepared: AN OFFICER WHO FAILS TO DELIGATE authority IS UNSURE OF HIS OWN ABITILY TO DO THE JOB.
Upon my answer I was told it had worked this way for the last 50 years and would continue to work for the CFD.

Let's take that and forward 16 years. It was this mistake that ultimately killed nine men. FORWARNED IS TO BE FOR ARMED.

Had the command staff received training in IC as required by law since 2001, might have made a difference, if the training had been followed.

All I am getting at is charisma is a poor excuse for a leader. Education and a open mind helps make a leader strong. The military tries to follow this example, but they still make the mistakes forgotten by past lost battles. We must learn from our mistakes and never stop seeking knowledge as ling as we live. If someone tell you they know it backward and forward and that you can not teach him anything new, this a dangerous person. Especially a Chief officer..These people who remain must be weeded out before they are allowed to put more men's lives in danger. I am sure a new Chief will look into this and correct the deadly problem that still exist for some of those in the CFD.

In the mean time, Captains be careful and watch you men's backs! CYA as a team!
STAY SAFE AND LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY!

[bombero]

Ricky this is another one that relates. A leader accusing another firefighter of "freelancing" is usually due to the same leader failing to exercise PROPER command procedures of their own fireground.