Monday, 20 April 2015 00:02
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Transformational leaders are those who transform their followers into becoming leaders themselves. Transformational leadership is a leadership approach that is defined as leadership that creates valuable and positive change in the followers. A transformational leader focuses on ‘transforming’ others to help each other, to look out for each other, to be encouraging and harmonious, and to look out for the organisation as a whole. In this leadership, the leader enhances the motivation, morale and performance of his follower group.
Transformational leaders are those who stimulate and inspire followers to both achieve extraordinary outcomes and, in the process, develop their own leadership capacity. They help followers grow and develop into leaders by responding to individual followers’ needs by empowering them and by aligning the objectives and goals of the individual followers, the leader, the group, and the larger organisation.
Evidence has accumulated to demonstrate that transformational leadership can move followers to exceed expected performance, as well as lead to high levels of follower satisfaction and commitment to the group and organisation.
There are four components of Transformational Leadership
Idealised Influence (also known as Charismatic Leadership): Transformational leaders act in ways that make them role models. They are respected, admired and trusted. Followers identify with them and describe them in terms that imply extraordinary capabilities, persistence and determination. These leaders are willing to take risk. They can consistently be relied upon to do the right thing, displaying high moral and ethical standards.
Inspirational Motivation: These leaders embody the term ‘team spirit’. They show enthusiasm and optimism, providing both meaning and challenge to the work at hand. They create an atmosphere of commitment to goals and a shared vision.
Intellectual Stimulation: A transformational leader encourages creativity and fosters an atmosphere in which followers feel compelled to think about old problems in a new way. Public criticism is avoided.
Individualised Consideration: Transformational leaders act as mentors and coaches. Individual desires and needs are respected. Differences are accepted and two-way communication is common. These leaders are considered to be good listeners and along with this comes personalised interaction. Followers of these leaders move continually toward development of higher levels of potential.
