“Transformational leadership is a process that changes and transforms people” (PSU WC, L. 10). We have had some amazing transformational leaders in our time that have changed history and have enabled us as a world to evolve into something we never thought possible. Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa are just a few of the transformational leaders of our time. They have each shared a vision with their followers and endeared the public’s trust. They have shared themselves with each and every person they met in their journey to join their vision. Although, these leaders have been part of our history it made me think of how to bring transformational leadership to a more personal level.
I thought it would be best to try to relate this post to myself and the leadership I have encountered in my career. I have only experienced one transformational leader during my career. Although, I have had leaders who have certain transformational leadership qualities they do not embody all the characteristics described by Northouse (2013). I believe that transformational leadership guides your growth both personally and professionally. A transformational leader has vision, rhetorical skills in order to share their vision, image and trust building ability, and shares a personalized bond with their followers (PSU WC, L. 10). “It is a process that often incorporates charismatic and visionary leadership” (Northouse, 2013). Transformational leadership can be influential one on one or within a larger setting, this type of leadership “plays a pivotal role in precipitating change” (Northouse, 2013).
My previous boss had a clear vision on how she wanted to grow our company. She expressed clear tasks and goals that we needed to accomplish in order to achieve the final objective. In this process, her leadership and empowerment led me to levels of both personal and professional growth that I never thought I would reach as quickly as I had. She empowered me to take the lead on assignments that I clearly identified with and saw my part of the task and how to collaborate with others to achieve the result necessary to move the vision forward. Her passion in our team, but most importantly in myself gave me an excitement about my part in reaching the common goal of our group and ultimately the organization. She believed in her relationships and personal connections with her equals and followers, she projected self-confidence in herself and all her followers. This experience has given me the confidence to be my own leader as well as to lead others. This leadership style draws upon all people’s passion and “is concerned with emotions, values, ethics, standards, and long-term goals” (Northouse, 2013).
Have you experienced transformational leadership? How has it changed the way you have developed as a leader?
References:
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: theory and practice. Los Angeles. Sage Publications. 27.
The Pennsylvania State University. (2015). Lesson 10: Transformational Leadership. Retrieved from PSYCH485: Leadership in Work Settings: https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/su15/psych485/001/content/10_lesson/01_page.html