McLaurin and Al Amri (2008) describe a charismatic leader as someone who is confident, has a clear vision, takes risks and acts as an agent of change. Well-known charismatic leaders include Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X. It could be argued that they were transformational leaders, as the line between the two styles seems blurry. Charismatic leaders emerge in times of great disruption and emotional pain. People need a leader and are willing to follow someone who is an inspiration. The charismatic leader of Foothills WTPI works at the Foothills Water Treatment Plant, part of Denver Water. It is the largest wastewater treatment plant in the state and more than a million people rely on our water every day. It's a very stressful and high responsibility job at the best of times. Our manager is difficult to work with. He is retired from the military and has a very authoritarian conformity style. Denver Water as a whole strives to empower its employees and allow them more freedom in their work. He will try to comply with wishes and allow us more autonomy. But as soon as someone makes a mistake, he issues a formal, written reprimand, disciplinary action can be taken, and he restricts everyone's actions. Employees are afraid to make a decision or act without his explicit approval, even when he says we should act independently. Morale is low and fear is the main motivator for most people. A charismatic leader could easily turn things around. If we had a leader who inspired us to give our best and become the best water treatment plant in the state, people would willingly follow him and take on the challenges that present themselves. Fea...... middle of paper ...... could make the difference between a satisfactory result and an exceptional result. Conclusion There are many leadership styles available. The best type of leadership depends on the situation and everyone involved. No one is able to use all styles with the same skill. But if you know the options, you can choose a style that will suit both you and the situation. ReferencesMcLaurin, J. and Al Amri, M. (2008). Develop an understanding of charismatic and transformational leadership. International Conference of Allied Academies: Proceedings of the Academy of Organizational Culture, Communication and Conflict (AOCCC), 13(2), 15-19.Northouse, P. (2013). Leadership: theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Quiros, E. (2013). Create an environment in which your team can thrive. Strategic financing, 95(10), 20-22.