According to John Maxwell in Leadership Wired (vol. 5, no. 19) character is more important than charisma in leadership for the following reasons:
1. Character sets you apart—There was a time when people who lacked integrity stood out from the crowd. Now the opposite is true--charisma can make people stand out for a moment, but character can set them apart for a lifetime.
2. Character creates trust—Leadership functions only on the basis of trust. If you pull out trust, then you will lose your leadership foundation.
3. Character promotes excellence—If you lead people, good character sets a standard for everyone who is following you. People will eventually become like their leader. If leaders compromise on their standards, cheat the company, or take shortcuts, so will their followers.
4. Character gives staying power—During the tough times that all leaders face, character has the ability to carry you through, which is something that charisma can never do. When you are weary and inclined to quit, the self-discipline of character keeps you going.
5. Character extends influence—Charisma, by its nature, doesn't last long or extend very far. It's like a flash of gunpowder. It produces a quick, blinding light, but then it's gone. The only thing left is smoke. Character, on the other hand, is more like a bonfire. Its effects are long-lasting. It produces warmth and light, and as it continues to burn it gets hotter, giving fuel that burns brighter.
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