The everyday use of the term charisma suggests that it is a straightforward and readily understood trait. Charisma has different meanings and dimensions. As a result, charismatic leaders can be categorized into various types, with three more relevant for today: socialized charismatics, personalized charismatics, and celebrities. Following the distinction made for the power motive, some charismatic leaders use their power for the good of others.

A socialized charismatic is a leader who restrains the use of power in order to benefit others. This type of leader also attempts to bring group members’ values in line with his or her values. The socialized charismatic formulates and pursues goals that fulfill the needs of group members and provide intellectual stimulation to them. Followers of socialized charismatics are autonomous, empowered, and responsible.

The effect of the socialized charismatic on followers provides more insight into this type of charismatic. In the socialized relationship, the followers have a clear sense of who they are and a clear set of values. The charismatic relationship gives them an opportunity to express their important values within the framework of being a group member, such as wanting to work together to preserve the planet. In a socialized relationship, the followers derive a sense of direction and self-expression not from identifying with the leader but from the leader’s message.

The second type of charismatic leader is the personalized charismatic. Such individuals serve primarily their own interests and so exercise few restraints on their use of power. Personalized charismatics impose self-serving goals on constituents, and they offer consideration and support to group members only when it facilitates their own goals. Followers of personalized charismatics are typically obedient, submissive, and dependent. They also identify more with the leader than the leader’s message and therefore might follow the leader down an unethical path.