A transformational leader is defined as a process that changes and transforms people by appealing to their followers’ values and create a connection between the groups. Some of the characteristics of a transformational leader are rhetorical skills, personalized leadership, and charisma (Northouse, 2013). Rhetorical skills are the ability to share the vision of what the world could be with your followers. The ability to grow strong bonds and understanding emotional cues from followers is personalized leadership. A charismatic leader wants to influence their followers achieve the goals of the team or even the country (Northouse, 2013).
In May of 1993, President Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker at the United States Military Academy’s (West Point) graduation. I had the opportunity and privilege to be in the audience to listen to his speech. Clinton exemplified the image of a transformational leader at that specific moment in time.
The rhetorical skill occurred when President Clinton stated that the best of the best will be protecting our country, although he hoped it would not be necessary. Clinton had the desire for the world to be peaceful but he knew about the world’s problems. The personalizing of the speech occurred when President Clinton addressed both the West Point graduates and the audience members. He appreciated the hard work and many hours the graduates completed in order to become commissioned officers in the US Army. President Clinton did not forget about the audience. He addressed the hopes and fears of parents, siblings, and significant others. Although most everyone was proud of the graduates, we knew that a world crisis could put their loved ones in harm’s way.
I generally have a short attention span and can begin to daydream: however, President Bill Clinton was one of the most charismatic speakers that I have ever listened to. Clinton has the intangible “it” factor. I felt as if he was speaking directly to me even with 1000s of people in the audience. I felt the power and confidence and radiating off of President Clinton.
A transformational leader, including President Clinton, tries to ensure a better future for their followers by sharing the vision of what the world could be.
Northouse, P. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
I absolutely agree with you about your perception of Bill Clinton’s rhetorical skill and how it relates to transformational leadership. I have also had the pleasure of hearing him speak when he came to the University at Buffalo in 2000 and to say that I came away inspired, is an understatement. I truly believed that anyone who is able to hear him speak would agree that his brilliance is undeniable, despite whatever partisan line a person belongs to. He’s well informed, poised, charismatic and he facilitates intellectual stimulation amongst his followers (Northouse, 2013). And therein lies the power of transformational leadership–the ability to create a shared vision between leader and follower, that in the end, can also elevate the follower (Northouse, 2013). Bill Clinton is extremely effective in this regard.
Thanks for sharing your post!
~Yonna
Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice (Sixth Edition ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA, United States: Sage Publications, Inc.
I really enjoyed the personal insight your post provided. I can picture the audience and commissioned officers at the West Point commencement being fully attentive to President Clinton’s calm and collected, yet inspirational demeanor.
I feel your take on transformational leadership comes mainly from personal experiences rather than just scientific theory behind leadership, and feel that is extremely beneficial when it comes to fully comprehending what the theory entails. It’s important that the vision of a leader is clear and easily relatable. Those who believe the leader is trying to steer things in the right direction are more willing to give 100% and work for a better and brighter future.
James Gaughan