Virginia Postrel on Charisma

In its precise sense, charisma (originally a religious term) is a quality of leadership that inspires followers to join the charismatic leader in the disciplined pursuit of a greater cause. … Glamour doesn’t persuade the audience to share a leader’s vision. Instead it inspires the audience to project their own longings onto the leader … making glamour most effective at a distance. Charisma, by contrast, works through personal contact. … Charisma draws the audience to share the charismatic figure’s own commitments, seeking that person’s affection or approval. Charisma enhances leadership, glamour enhances sales.

– Virginia Postrel, The Power of Glamour, pp. 116-117