Transformational leadership, as defined by Northouse is “the process whereby a person engages with others and creates a connection that raises the level of motivation and morality in both the leader and the follower” (Northouse, 2013). These leaders do not always raise morale in what the everyday person would consider a positive way; for example, Adolf Hitler was a transformational leader (Northouse, 2013). Northouse goes on to mention that a teenager named Ryan White was a good example of a positive transformational leader due to his advocating for individuals with AIDS (Northouse, 2013).
Ryan White was a hemophiliac by birth and contracted HIV through a blood transfusion (Johnson, 1990). After being expelled from his middle school in Indiana, White fought for his right to attend school by spreading the truth about HIV and AIDS and bringing light to the many myths surrounding AIDS (Johnson, 1990). White attempted to prove to people that AIDS is not spread through casual contact and that it can affect anyone of any age and race (Johnson, 1990). People were so ignorant about the disease that even when White was allowed back into school, he and his family were viciously ostracized by their community. White was harassed at school and his home was often vandalized (Johnson, 1990).
Ryan White died on April 9, 1990 at the age of 18 years (Johnson, 1990). He passed away surrounded by his family and singer Elton John (Johnson, 1990). The White family received the sympathies of a slew of actors, musicians, and athletes, along with President Bush who planted a tree for Ryan White (Johnson, 1990).
Out of the factors described by Northouse that make up the model of transformational leadership, Ryan White possessed idealized influence which is the emotional factor behind a transformational leader (Northouse, 2013). Idealized leaders are strong role models for their followers, which Ryan White definitely was. Ryan White was described as kind, loving, and gentle by Thomas Brandt, who at the time of Ryan White’s death was the spokesman for the National Commission on AIDS (Johnson, 1990).
References
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Johnson, D. (1990, April 09). Ryan white dies of aids at 18; his struggle helped pierce myths. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/09/obituaries/ryan-white-dies-of-aids-at-18-his-struggle-helped-pierce-myths.html