Charisma, and other over-rated leadership traits

When considering who to promote into leadership roles, a range of factors are often weighed. Elevating a high-potential employee to a position of leadership can be an exciting milestone, especially when that person thrives in the role and moves the team forward.

But what happens when they don't? Over the years, I've had clients reach out in desperation during the aftermath of a promotion or hiring decision that didn't go as planned. Sometimes the warning signs were obvious in hindsight, and other times the misstep came from placing too much emphasis on the wrong leadership traits during the selection process. Sometimes the shiny traits that draw us in aren't the ones that work over the long haul.

Let's briefly explore a few over-rated leadership traits, while acknowledging that leadership is always contextual and no single trait guarantees success or failure. Lean into the nuance with me here.

Some traits can be consistently overvalued. When that happens, teams and organizations can pay the price. Here are a few traits we should be cautious about giving too much weight.

1 - Charisma

Charisma can be magnetic. It can also be misleading. A charismatic leader may easily win people over, but their presence can distort perception and mask a lack of substance or authenticity. Teams may hesitate to challenge a leader with high charisma, and charm can overshadow sound judgment or solid process.

Remember: likeability is not the same as integrity. And, in some cases, it can be a convenient cover for self-serving motives and hidden agendas.

Instead of charisma, watch for those who have influence because of their character. Look for self-awareness and authenticity. Find the leaders who lead from a place of humility. These are the traits that sustain leadership beyond the spotlight.

2 - Persuasiveness

Persuasiveness can be an asset in business. But if it isn't paired with sound judgement, it can be downright dangerous. A persuasive leader who is passionate about an idea can pull others in, even if the idea isn't well-vetted or strategically aligned. Objectors may get steamrolled, not because their ideas are weak, but because they aren't as loud or skilled in the art of persuasion.

When observing a persuasive person, consider if they are truly making compelling arguments for their position or if they are simply using well-placed tactics to manipulate the thinking of the group.

Instead of persuasiveness, look for thoughtful contributors who are open to collaboration and dialogue. Look for ideators who communicate ideas with clarity and openness. When it comes to ideating and decision-making, substance should outweigh communication style.

3 - Hyper-Ambition

Ambition can be a strength when applied correctly. But hyper-ambition or performative ambition often leads to overextension, scattered priorities, or a fixation on output over outcomes. When someone is always pushing to "do more," it can lead to burnout for the individual and the team. It also often shifts focus away from doing the right things at the right time. A busy schedule can be far less effective than a schedule that strategically includes just the right high impact tasks that can be sustained with excellence over time.

Instead of hyper-ambition, look for wisely applied focus and sustainable drive. The best leaders don't just move fast, they move smart.

Look for Wise Leaders Who Act in Service

Leadership is about showing up in ways that actually serve the team, the mission, and the moment at hand. Charisma, persuasivness, and ambition aren't inherently bad. But when overvalued or left unchecked, they can potentially do more harm than good.

Here at Vertical, we believe that leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, and that the best leaders show up in ways that care for people and outcomes. If you would like to learn more about how you and your team can operate in a more resilient, impact-focused manner, reach out to us at info@verticalteamdev.com. We'd love to hear your story and connect you with a coach or a team development opportunity!