ANR #68: Transformational leadership, how to become one

Despite the challenges of any change, embracing a transformational leadership style can bring many benefits, both for you as an individual leader and your organization as a whole. So what is this “new” form of leadership? And why should we care? Well, let’s explore both questions in today’s blog post.

What is transformational leadership?

Transformational leadership is a leadership style that involves inspiring and motivating followers to achieve their full potential, while also transforming the organization or society in a positive way. It is a style of leadership that goes beyond transactional leadership, which is based on rewards and punishments, and focuses on creating a shared vision, empowering followers, and fostering collaboration.

Transformational leaders are characterized by their ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve a higher level of performance. They have a clear vision of what they want to accomplish, and they communicate that vision to their followers in a way that inspires them to take action. They also create a supportive and empowering environment that enables their followers to take ownership of their work and achieve their full potential.

Characteristics of transformational leadership

It focuses on motivating people to exceed their limits and reach new heights. It stresses the importance of taking risks, daring to try something new, and finding the best way to achieve success. There are several characteristics that are commonly associated with transformational leaders. These include:

1. Visionary: they have a clear and compelling vision of what they want to accomplish. They are able to communicate this vision to others in a way that inspires and motivates them to take action.
2. Inspirational: they are able to inspire and motivate others to achieve their full potential. They do this by creating a sense of purpose and meaning in the work that they do.
3. Empowering: they empower their followers to take ownership of their work and achieve their full potential. They do this by providing opportunities for growth and development, and by creating a supportive and empowering environment.
4. Collaborative: they foster collaboration and teamwork among their followers. They recognize that no one person can achieve great things alone, and they encourage their followers to work together to achieve their shared goals.
5. Ethical: they are guided by strong ethical principles. They are committed to doing the right thing, even if it is not the easiest or most popular thing to do.

How to become a transformational leader

Becoming a transformational leader does not happen overnight; it is a difficult task that requires years of experience and practice to perfect, it can lead to enormous success both now and in the future.

Here are some steps that you can take to become one:

1. Develop a clear vision: The first step is to develop a clear and compelling vision of what you want to accomplish. This vision should be based on your values, passions, and strengths.
2. Communicate your vision: Once you have developed your vision, you need to communicate it to others in a way that inspires and motivates them. This requires excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and respond effectively to feedback.
3. Empower your followers: Then empower your followers to take ownership of their work and achieve their full potential. This requires creating a supportive and empowering environment, providing opportunities for growth and development, and recognizing and rewarding excellent performance.
4. Foster collaboration: Transformational leaders foster collaboration and teamwork among their followers. This requires creating opportunities for collaboration, recognizing and valuing diversity, and creating a culture of trust and respect.
5. Lead by example: Finally, lead by example. They demonstrate the values and behaviors that they expect from their followers, and they hold themselves accountable for their actions and decisions.

Being a transformational leader can bring multiple benefits to both individuals and organizations. Transformational leadership has allowed project or company leaders to increase employee engagement, motivation, and morale, enabling them to seek higher heights in the workplace. Not only does it give individuals the opportunity to influence their team positively, it also provides leaders with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, thus stimulating personal growth.

Examples of great transformational leaders in history

There have been many historical examples of transformational leaders throughout history. One of the most famous is Mahatma Gandhi, who led India to independence from British rule through nonviolent resistance. Gandhi’s leadership style was rooted in his strong personal values, his commitment to social justice, and his ability to inspire others through his words and actions.

Another leader from history is Martin Luther King Jr., who played a crucial role in the civil rights movement in the United States. King’s style was characterized by his powerful oratory, his commitment to nonviolence, and his ability to inspire others to work towards a shared vision of racial equality.

More recently, Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, is also considered a transformational leader. Jobs was known for his ability to create a culture of innovation and creativity within his company, encouraging his team members to think differently and to take risks. He was also known for his attention to detail and his insistence on quality, inspiring his team members to take pride in their work and to strive for excellence.

Books

In addition to the five books he has authored, Antonio has contributed to seven other business books.

Conclusion

Transformational leadership is a powerful leadership style that can inspire and motivate others to achieve great things. It is more than giving orders and delegating tasks. It’s about inspiring those around you to be their best and work together towards a common goal. If you are interested in becoming a transformational leader, start by modeling the behavior you want to see in others is the most important thing. Be authentic, visionary, and encouraging, and always look for opportunities to help those around you grow and develop. People are more likely to achieve great things when they are motivated and involved in what they do.By doing so, you can create a positive and supportive work environment where your team members can achieve their full potential and contribute to the success of your organization.