1. Charismatic &
Transformational
Leadership
LIAM BOYER
ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY

2. Introduction
The purpose of this presentation is to educate about two types of
leadership: charismatic leadership and transformational leadership.
Each are highly effective methods of leadership that can be seen
both inside and outside of the educational world. This presentation
will cover each theory, compare and contrast the two theories, and
apply each to the world of education.

3. Charismatic Leadership
• Developed by Max Weber
• Charismatic Authority
• Theory of legitimate authority – Rational-legal, traditional, &
charismatic authorities
• Connected to the dramatic changes occurring within Germany during
the late 19th and 20th centuries
(Auerbach, 2017)
(Mitzman, 2019)

4. Charismatic Leadership
Characteristics of the Charismatic Leader
• Larger than life personality
• Often viewed by their followers in a heroic light
• Charming
• Often a radical or revolutionary
• Friendly and warm
• Strong, dynamic, powerful
• Highly effective speaker
(Auerbach, 2017)
(Sacavém, Martinez, da Cunha, Abreu, & Johnson, 2017)

5. Charismatic Leadership
Examples of Charismatic Leaders
• Cleopatra
• Napoleon Bonaparte
• Adolf Hitler
• Mao Zedong
• Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
• Fidel Castro
• Nelson Mandela
(Auerbach, 2017)

6. Transformational Leadership
• Developed by Bernard Bass in 1985
• Transformational/Transactional model of leadership
• Defined as “a leadership style in which the leader
encourages his or her subordinates to achieve higher and higher levels
of performance for the sake of the organization”
• Considered a new approach to leadership
• Transformational Leadership qualities are learned and developed
behaviors
(Flynn, 2017)

7. Transformational Leadership
Characteristics of the Transformational Leader
• Exhibits vision, staff development, supportive leadership,
empowerment, innovative thinking, and charisma
• Gives cogent and inspiring vision of the future
• Treats followers as individuals and encourages development
• Gives encouragement and recognition
• Promotes trust and cooperation among followers
• Helps develop new approaches to old problems
• Instills pride and respect
(Flynn, 2017)

8. Transformational Leadership
Techniques used by Transformational Leaders
• Attributed charisma (self-confidence and assertiveness)
• Idealized influence (promotes beliefs and influences followers)
• Inspiration (belief in and high expectations of followers)
• Intellectual Stimulation (encourages creative/proactive problem-
solving)
• Individualized Consideration (promotes interpersonal connection with
individual followers)
(Flynn, 2017)

9. Transformational Leadership
Examples of Transformational Leaders
• Julius Caesar
• Alexander the Great
• Plato
• George Washington
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Bill Gates
(Johannsen, 2018)

10. Comparison
Major Similarities
• Similar major characteristic: charisma
• Both involve using charisma to affect followers
• Similar lists of example leaders
Major Differences
• Transformational leaders are seen in organizations/schools more often
• Charismatic leaders are seen more in politics/governance
• Major differences in example leaders

11. Charismatic Leadership in Education
In education, the Charismatic Leader is best represented by Administration
(Principal, Vice Principal, Superintendent) and extracurricular coaches
(Sports, Arts, Academics). This position involves leading a group a people
and keeping them on task. While these leaders are considered
“legitimate”, they use charismatic personalities to inspire and drive
employees in daily tasks and goals. Any leader of a competitive group
must recruit and bring in students to fill their teams. For most events,
students will not participate if they do not respect and want to follow the
leader. Students are usually drawn to personalities they enjoy working
with when deciding what extracurricular event in which to participate.
(Auerbach, 2017)

12. Transformational Leadership in
Education
Transformational Leaders can be seen typically in the world of education
in teacher roles. Research suggests that teacher’s leadership characteristics
are generally seen as transformational. Teachers must connect with
students in order to inspire them to reach their full potential educationally.
Teachers will build relationships with students to become more effective
in both delivery of curriculum (understanding how their students learn)
and in management of their classroom, creating a healthy educational
environment. Administrators can use transformational leadership to
contribute to the effectiveness of the school and the education being
provided to the students. Restorative discipline in schools builds off a
similar idea, to build relationships in order to motivate and reach students.
(Mammen & Pushpanadham, 2018)

13. References
Auerbach, M. P. (2017). Power and authority: charismatic authority. Salem Press
Encyclopedia. Retrieved from
https://easydb.angelo.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direc
t=true&db=ers&AN=89185638&site=eds-live
Flynn, S. I. (2017). Transformational and transactional leadership. Salem Press
Encyclopedia. Retrieved from
https://easydb.angelo.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direc
t=true&db=ers&AN=89185787&site=eds-live
Johannsen, M. (2018). 125 Transformational leaders: lists of famous ones from many
countries. Retrieved from
https://www.legacee.com/transformational_leadership/list-of-leaders/

14. References
Mammen, J., & Pushpanadham, K. (2018). Accountability of teachers: does it
invigorate transformational leadership in schools? Malaysian Journal of
Education, 43(2), 29-35. https://doi.org.easydb.angelo.edu/10.17576/JPEN-2018-
43.01-03
Mitzman, A. (2019). Max Weber. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Max-Weber-German-
sociologist/media/638565/32320
Sacavém, A., Martinez, L. F., da Cunha, J. V., Abreu, A. M., & Johnson, S. K. (2017).
Charismatic leadership: a study on delivery styles, mood, and performance.
Journal of Leadership Studies, 11(3), 21-38. https://doi-
org.easydb.angelo.edu/10.1002/jls.21519
Sperry, M. N. (2018). Center for Leadership Studies named in honor of Bernard and
Ruth Bass - Binghamton News. Retrieved from
https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/1367/center-for-leadership-studies-
named-in-honor-of-bernard-and-ruth-bass