Transformational leadership
Definition
The concept of transformational leadership was initially introduced by James V. Downton, the first to coin the term "transformational leadership", a concept further developed by leadership expert and presidential biographer James MacGregor Burns. According to Burns, transformational leadership can be seen when "leaders and followers make each other advance to a higher level of morality and motivation." Through the strength of their vision and personality, transformational leaders are able to inspire followers to change expectations, perceptions, and motivations to work towards common goals. Burns also described transformational leaders as those who can move followers up on Maslow's hierarchy, but also move them to go beyond their own interests. Unlike in the transactional approach, it is not based on a "give and take" relationship, but on the leader's personality, traits and ability to make a change through example, articulation of an energizing vision and challenging goals.
In 1985, transformational leadership had become more defined and developed whereby leaders known to use this style possessed the following traits: idealized influences, productive commitment, and inspirational motivation. Transformational leadership made transactional leadership more effective. (Resource from Wikipedia)
Transformational models & dimensions
According to (Ahmed Waham, Abdul Rahman, & Wan Mustaffa, 2020), transformational leadership is based on four
I’s characteristics, as shown as figure 1 below;
Transformational
leadership is often characterized by the following key dimensions (as
figures shown above):
1) Idealized
Influence (Charisma): This dimension reflects the leader's ability to establish trust,
respect, and admiration among followers by serving as a role model and
embodying desirable qualities such as integrity, authenticity, and moral
courage. Transformational leaders inspire followers to emulate their behaviour
and values.
2) Inspirational
Motivation:
Transformational leaders articulate a compelling vision for the future, set
high expectations, and inspire followers to work towards shared goals. They use
effective communication, storytelling, and passion to energize and mobilize
individuals to commit to the vision and mission of the organization.
3) Intellectual
Stimulation:
Transformational leaders encourage creativity, critical thinking, and
innovation among followers by challenging assumptions, fostering a culture of
learning and open dialogue, and promoting intellectual curiosity. They empower
individuals to question the status quo, explore new ideas, and develop their
problem-solving skills.
4) Individualized
Consideration: Transformational leaders demonstrate care, empathy, and support
for the needs and development of each individual follower. They create a
personalized and inclusive environment where individuals feel valued,
respected, and empowered to contribute their unique strengths and perspectives.
Transformational leaders provide coaching, mentoring, and feedback to help
individuals grow and thrive.
Strengths & Weaknesses
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Transformational
Leadership
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Strengths
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Weaknesses
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Inspirational Vision:
Transformational leaders inspire and motivate followers by articulating a
compelling vision and shared goals, creating a sense of purpose and meaning.
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Idealism: The emphasis
on vision, inspiration, and empowerment may sometimes be seen as overly
idealistic and lacking concrete direction or guidelines.
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Empowerment: This
leadership style empowers followers to take ownership of their work, make
decisions, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
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Resistance to Change: Some
followers may resist change or feel overwhelmed by the high expectations set
by transformational leaders, leading to potential challenges in
implementation.
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Development of Followers:
Transformational leaders focus on developing the skills, capabilities, and
potential of their followers, fostering personal and professional growth.
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Dependency: Followers
may become overly reliant on the leader for motivation and guidance,
potentially hindering their ability to take initiative and act independently.
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Creativity and Innovation:
Transformational leadership encourages creativity, innovation, and
risk-taking among followers, leading to new ideas and solutions.
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Potential for Burnout:
Transformational leaders may invest a significant amount of time and energy
into inspiring and developing their followers, which could lead to burnout if
not managed effectively.
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Examples of Transformational Leaders
1. Mahatma Gandhi: Gandhi is widely regarded as one of the most transformative leaders in history due to his nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience movements that played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Gandhi's principled stance on nonviolence, moral leadership, and commitment to social justice inspired millions of people and led to significant political and social change.
Quotes: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever"
2. Nelson Mandela: The former President of South Africa, is hailed as a transformational leader for his role in dismantling apartheid and promoting reconciliation and unity in a divided nation. Mandela's vision of a democratic, inclusive society, his ability to forgive and forget relationships across racial lines, and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality made him a symbol of resilience and hope for people around the world.
Quotes: "As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
3. Martin Luther King Jr.: A transformative leader in the American civil rights movement, advocating for nonviolent activism, racial equality, and social justice. King's powerful speeches, moral courage, and commitment to peaceful protest were instrumental in challenging systemic racism and inspiring positive change through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Quotes: “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
4. Steve Jobs: The co-founder and former CEO of Apple Inc., is widely regarded as a transformational leader in the technology industry. Known for his innovation, creative vision, and commitment to excellence, Jobs revolutionized the way we use and interact with technology through products like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. His leadership style, focus on design, and relentless pursuit of perfection have had a lasting impact on the tech industry and beyond.
Steve Jobs:Quotes: "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."
5. Mark Zuckerberg: The co-founder and CEO of Facebook, has had a significant impact on social media and digital communication as a transformational leader in the tech industry. Through Facebook, Zuckerberg has connected billions of people around the world, transformed the way we share information and interact online, and sparked conversations about privacy, data security, and the role of technology in society.
Mark ZuckerbergQuotes: “Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it.”
6. Elon Musk: The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is a transformative leader in the fields of electric vehicles, renewable energy, and space exploration. Musk's ambitious vision, technological innovation, and commitment to sustainability have reshaped industries and pushed boundaries in the pursuit of innovation, with goals ranging from reducing carbon emissions to colonizing Mars.
Elon MuskQuotes: “When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.”
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