Publications
Publications
- December 1, 2023
- Harvard Business Review (website)
When Charismatic CEOs Are an Asset—and When They’re a Liability
By: Nitin Nohria
Abstract
Starting in the 1980s, a generation of larger-than-life CEOs became full-blown celebrity, but over time, research suggested that charismatic CEOs tended to have drawbacks at leaders. However, charisma can be especially useful in two business concepts with big unknowns: entrepreneurial startups and corporate turnarounds. In these settings, when everyone — investors, employees, customers, suppliers — is dealing with enormous uncertainties, a leader’s charisma can give people the faith necessary to take risks.
Keywords
Citation
Nohria, Nitin. "When Charismatic CEOs Are an Asset—and When They’re a Liability." Harvard Business Review (website) (December 1, 2023).