Over the course of history, there have been numerous leaders. However, it seems that some leaders have affected the major events in history more than others. Most of these important leaders have employed transformational leadership tactics.
Transformational leaders create visions that inspire their followers to put the interests of others above their own needs. These leaders are role models to their subordinates. A key ideal of transformational leadership is the willingness to challenge the status quo. Transformational leaders must have charisma and self confidence; these traits help the leader to inspire the followers. (PSU WC, L10)
Transformational leadership can inspire followers in either positive or negative ways. This form of leadership can get sticky because leaders attempt to change their follower’s ideologies (PSU WC, L10). Additionally charisma can have a down side too. Charismatic leaders tend to be self absorbed and committed to furthering their own goals.
The following paragraphs will focus on examples of historical figures who have employed transformational leadership tactics, both for positive and negative motives.
Barack Obama:
Barack Obama has been praised for his excellent public speaking skills since he spoke at the Democratic Convention in 2004. He is extremely charismatic and confident within his speeches. He always appears like he truly believes in the words he is saying. His 2008 presidential campaign slogan was “Yes We Can,” a call to action for his supporters. This slogan, paired with his speeches, really inspired followers to take action and go out and vote. In the 2008 election, Obama had the highest number of young (18-24 year old) voters in the history of elections.
Martin Luther King Jr.:
Martin Luther King Jr is an extremely important figure in American history. His contributions to the civil rights movement truly changed the course of history. He inspired thousands with his speeches and protests. He is possibly most remembered for his speech, “I have a Dream.” Most Americans can recite at least a line or two of this speech, almost 50 years after it was delivered. This speech furthered and even changed some listeners’ opinion toward race issues. Without MLK’s transformational leadership, our nation could possibly be an entirely different culture.
Adolf Hitler:
Possibly one of the most influential, and infamous, leaders in history, Adolf Hitler utilized transformational leadership to further his harmful and twisted agenda. Through giving charismatic and exciting public speeches, and creating an almost god-like persona for himself, Hitler completely changed the ideology of thousands. Through his leadership tactics he convinced his followers that the awful acts he was asking them to perform were acceptable, and even deserved. Hitler used transformational leadership to take advantage of thousands and to murder millions. His leadership is a perfect example of how transformational leadership can be very negative to society.
Kim Jong Il:
Another example of how transformational leadership can be used for dark means is Kim Jong Il, the late dictator of North Korea. Kim Jong Il followed his father’s footsteps as the second ruler of modern North Korea. He furthered the idea that he and his father were essentially gods, and completely shut off the country from the rest of the world. Through his lavish military displays and charismatic speeches, Kim Jong Il convinced thousands, if not millions of people that the outside world is evil and that his policies and beliefs were the only ones that were correct and moral. Kim Jong Il used his charismatic traits and transformational leadership tactics to stifle and shut out an entire nation.
Transformational leadership can be a very effective form of leadership. This form of leadership inspires followers to take action and can even change their ideologies. Transformational leaders can use their charisma to further positive or negative agendas.
SOURCES:
Penn State World Campus (2013). PSYCH 485 Lesson 10: Transformational Leadership. Retrieved on March 23, 2013, from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/sp13/psych485/003/content/10_lesson/06_page.html
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http://www.biography.com/imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/K/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-9365086-1-402.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-S33882,_Adolf_Hitler_retouched.jpg/230px-Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-S33882,_Adolf_Hitler_retouched.jpg