Charisma

It was a country side with a beautiful beach. People gather there for picnic and take sea bath. At times the sea is rough and windy, and some people get drowned and die. A group of young guys watched these kinds of occasional accidents in dismay, and they decided to do something. They started an association, and the motto was simple and straight forward: “Save the people from drowning in the sea”. They were filled with the missionary zeal, and day and night performed their selfless service.

People of the city were impressed with the result produced by them. And they donated lots of money, and many joined the association. When the number increased, they needed to formulate many rules and regulations, grievance committee was formed, recruit cell was constructed, and parties and seminars were organized to engage the members. As the time passed, the association's main activities were many except saving the people from drowning. Some youngsters were shocked at the functioning of the association, they accused the authorities of betraying the original spirit, and they decided to form a new association with the simple motto:”saving people from drowning”.

The new association wanted to make a point and they made it. The general public was impressed with the courage and dedication of the new association and donated large amount of money to the new association. And many were attracted to the new association and joined it with great enthusiasm. As the time passed, and as the number increased they too decided that they need new guidelines and rules to govern the new association. New structure was established, recruitment policies were formulated and to engage the members, workshops, seminars and parties were organized. And they too became too busy with too many things except saving people from drowning. And this irritated some young minds; they felt betrayed and decided to start a brand new association which will faithfully serve the people from drowning. And the story continues….

Charisma is compromised with organizational structure and regulations. But without rules and structure charisma can disappear altogether. The one strikes a fine balance between the two, manages to maintain the creativity (charisma) and continuity for a long time. It is the art of eating the cake and have it too.