Week 3: Theories in Action-Charismatic Leadership

Last week, I went to lunch with a few other interns and two young associates, who had only started with PwC last October. During this lunch, we began to talk about the company’s CEO, Scott McIntrye. One of the associates commented on McIntyre, calling him “one of the most charismatic guys I’ve ever met”. The concept of charisma never fails to come into the discussion when talking about eaders in my Jepson courses, so naturally that comment made me think back to my theories and models class. I personally find charisma to be one of the most important leadership traits, and it fascinates me because it is something both good and evil leaders can possess, and almost always attracts followers. I began to reflect on that comment about Scott McIntyre, thinking back to when he spoke to us interns during our orientation.
During our intern orientation, Scott McIntyre was the first individual that came to speak to us as a group. He instantly commanded the room, partially because we all knew how important he was, but he truly exuded such confidence in both himself and his company that we earnestly listened to what he had to say. He emphasized the array of PwC Public Sector’s capabilities, and gave concrete examples of the impact of the work this company does. When he spoke about our competition, he didn’t speak negatively, but rather just emphasized the difference between the ways PwC does things versus others’ methods. His charisma was effective, because his beliefs and convictions about the strength and capabilities of his company was genuine, and made me believe the same.
I haven’t mentioned this in my posts yet, but PwC Public Sector is currently undergoing a transition—the practice was bought by a private equity firm in the spring, and officially branched off as its own entity on May 1st. The new brand is going to launch this month, and already Scott McIntyre’s charisma has shown to be integral to this business development. Without McIntyre’s confidence and direction, I do not think that the overall attitude held by employee’s would be as excited and curious as I feel it is now. Most employees are looking forward to what’s to come and the vast opportunity, and I think that directly stems from McIntyre’s confidence in his employees and his optimistic viewpoint. I will continue to pay close attention to McIntyre’s charismatic leadership throughout the remainder of my internship, especially around the time of the new brand launch.