As I reflect on my time as the outgoing President of the University of the Philippines (UP) Association in British Columbia (BC), I am reminded of the various leadership styles that I have learned as a Political Science and Psychology student at the University of the Philippines and some expensive leadership training programs I have attended as a corporate snob that was part of a Succession Plan Structure. Leadership, in its essence, is not one-size-fits-all; it evolves and adapts to the needs of the people being led and the context in which they operate. In my tenure, I have come to appreciate the exciting differences between being selfless and charismatic – two distinct attributes that often intersect but differ fundamentally in their core principles and impact.
The Essence of Selfless Leadership
At its core, selfless leadership is about serving others before oneself. It focuses on empowering people, fostering collaboration, and building community. As a selfless leader, one prioritizes the collective needs over personal recognition or gain. This type of leadership calls for a deep sense of empathy, patience, and humility, placing the group’s success above individual achievement.
Throughout my presidency at the UP Association in BC, I often considered how my actions and decisions would impact the community. Our organization is a collective of alums, students, and supporters of the University of the Philippines, all united by a shared commitment to UP’s values—academic excellence, public service, and community development. In this context, selfless leadership became the guiding philosophy for every initiative we pursued.
Whether it was about hosting alum events, organizing fundraising activities for scholarships, or improving our community outreach programs, I sought to involve everyone in the decision-making process. I recognized that the success of our initiatives depended not on my vision alone but on the collective contributions of every member. By embracing this collaborative approach, folks might have empowered others to take ownership of our shared goals, creating a sense of belonging and commitment within the organization.
Selfless leadership also meant taking responsibility for the challenges the association faced. There were moments when things didn’t go according to plan—when an event didn’t meet expectations or when friction within the group occurred. Rather than deflecting blame or focusing on personal accolades, I aimed to take responsibility and find solutions as a team. In doing so, I learned that leadership is not about avoiding mistakes but creating an environment where failures are seen as opportunities for growth, learning, and improvement.
The Charismatic Leader’s Appeal
In contrast to selfless leadership, charismatic leadership centers around the leader’s personal qualities. Charismatic leaders can inspire and captivate others through their vision, passion, and confidence. They are often admired figures who rally people to a cause with compelling rhetoric and infectious enthusiasm. Charismatic leaders draw strength from their ability to connect with people emotionally and inspire them to action.
During my term, I also witnessed the influence of charismatic leadership within our association. Some individuals naturally exuded a magnetic energy—leaders whose presence could fill a room and whose speeches could move an entire crowd. These leaders could motivate others with their vision and energize the group to take bold steps forward. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and their ability to articulate a compelling vision for the future galvanized our efforts in ways that selfless leadership alone might not have.
While selfless leadership emphasizes the collective, charismatic leadership often hinges on the personal appeal of the leader. A charismatic leader’s ability to connect with followers can create a strong sense of loyalty and devotion, as people are often drawn to the leader’s conviction and purpose. However, this dynamic can sometimes make a dependence on the leader, where the group’s success is tightly linked to the leader’s presence and influence. Charisma is great, but while it can inspire and bring people together, it is vital that the focus remains on the mission, not just the leader.
The Intersection of Selfless and Charismatic Leadership
Interestingly, selfless and charismatic leadership are not mutually exclusive; they can and should complement each other. A charismatic leader can be selfless in their intentions and use their influence for the greater good. Likewise, a selfless leader can embody certain charismatic traits, such as the ability to inspire and motivate others, without being the sole center of attention.
Reflecting on my leadership journey, I realize that the most influential leaders can balance the humility of selfless leadership with the inspiration of charismatic leadership. I was not always the most charismatic figure in the room, nor did I seek to be. However, I worked hard to lead with purpose and integrity, to uplift others rather than draw attention to myself. At the same time, I recognized that my ability to inspire and rally support played an essential role in the success process.
One pivotal moment highlighting this balance occurred while trying to find mutual benefactors for our scholar in UP Baguio. Working closely with the team to ensure a clear plan was necessary. While I did not rely on personal charisma to convince others to participate, I did use my platform to share the importance of our mission and the tangible impact it could have on future UP students. In the long run, the goal was achieved because it combined the power of a shared vision with collective action, driven by selfless leadership and our shared commitment’s inspiration.
Leadership is About Legacy, Not Recognition
As my term as president ends, I am reminded of the ultimate goal of leadership: to leave a legacy of positive impact and empowerment. While both selfless and charismatic leaders have their place, authentic leadership is defined by the ability to empower others, foster collaboration, and serve the greater good.
Selfless leadership, emphasizing humility and service, has been the foundation of my approach. Still, I have also come to appreciate the role of charisma in motivating and inspiring action. Ultimately, leadership is not about the leaders but how they elevate others and help them realize their potential. I hope to leave behind successful projects or initiatives and a community that continues to thrive, collaborate, and serve.
Leadership is a journey, and as I pass the torch to the next president of the UP Association in BC, I trust that they will carry forward the spirit of selfless leadership while also finding their unique ways to inspire and lead with effortlessly gliding charisma. Ultimately, this balance will ensure our association’s continued success and impact for years to come.//MBB
By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua