About a month ago, the University of Pretoria celebrated the life of Chief Albert Luthuli. At these celebrations, Prof Benda Hofmeyr gave a presentation on the philosophical legacy of Albert Luthuli with specific emphasis on his charismatic leadership style.

What we discuss:

• Why did a philosophy professor take an interest in leadership styles and specifically Albert Luthuli?
• How does a philosophical approach to studying leadership differ from the historical approach?
• What is meant with a charismatic leadership style?
• Why did you base your interpretation of charismatic leadership on the writings of Max Weber?
• How did Luthuli balance his authority over others with his ability to charm them?
• Is charisma a personality trait or quality or something we see in the actions of a leader?
• Would stability not be a better leadership quality than charm?
• Did apartheid South Africa and the ANC foster Luthuli's charismatic leadership style?
• Are some people just naturally more charismatic than others?
• How do we identify a leader as charismatic rather than just merely effective?
• Why does charismatic leadership emerge in the setting of a movement for change?
• Is charismatic leadership something of the past?
• Did Albert Luthuli have a specific brand of charisma?
• What is the legacy of Albert Luthuli's charismatic leadership style?
• How close does the charismatic leader come to the idea of the philosopher king?

If you want to read more of Benda's work, visit here website here.

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