"We know from history that charismatic leaders can be a very transformative force. They can disrupt the status quo and challenge established power structures."

"Charismatic leaders often get a boost in times of change and uncertainty. When we think about the climate crisis, migration and war, we want to reduce our anxiety. The leader figure then becomes like an empty container to pour one's anxiety into, which makes the worry seem manageable."

Professor Bell highlights other things that tend to be common among charismatic leaders: "They are often narcissistic and have a tendency to develop hubris, to take big risks and to go too far. That ultimately often leads to failure."

She also talks about her recent research which looks at the leadership of refusal. “We analysed how the media tells stories about women leaders in politics and business as failing in their leadership. But some women refuse to fit into this narrative, using their their body language and their words to create their own story.”

Read the full article in Swedish at SvD (behind paywall) here

For more information, please contact:

Emma Bell
H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf’s Chair in Leadership
emma.bell@hhs.se