What Makes a Leader ‘Charismatic’ or ‘Authoritative’?

Charismatic leaders are like magnets, people are drawn to them because they feel happy or excited. Authoritative leaders, on the other hand, are like rulers, they make people follow them because they know who’s in charge.

If a leader smiles and makes you laugh, that’s charisma. If a leader speaks clearly and everyone listens without question, that’s authority.

A teacher who makes math fun has charisma. A principal who tells students exactly what to do has authority.