Let’s take a moment and consider the concept of trying to place “leadership” in a box. I prefer to think all the courses and workshops and seminars that we all attend really serve a much more philosophic purpose. The intent is to awaken an understanding of morally and ethically sound influence not only in others but in ourselves first.
I would like to pose the concept that transformational leadership, authentic leadership, situational leadership, and all the related brethren are simply facets of a very intricate precious stone viewed from different angles. The more we look and gather the better our “truth” becomes… for those of you who haven’t read the “Blind Men and the Elephant.” When viewed as a philosophical parable The Blind Men and the Elephant is an ancient parable used today as a warning for people that promote absolute truth or exclusive religious claims. The simple reason is that our sensory perceptions and life experiences can lead to limited access and overreaching misinterpretations. How can a person with a limited touch of truth turn that into the one and only version of all reality?
According to most leadership scholars transformational leadership is superior to transactional leadership, correct? A few brief words on the disadvantages of transformational leadership theory. The most part transformational leadership is virtually interchangeable with charismatic leadership, they follow the same basic assumptions about external motivations to complete goals. They share leader qualities such as working alone, altering the perception of the follower to accept that organizational goal from a leaders point of view. We see an individual who articulates and idealizes a sort of radical approach toward “betterment”. When viewed in isolation this becomes a sort of manipulation which is almost inherently part of corrupt charismatic leadership (or is the potential found in any leadership?).
It has been said that “…transformational leadership is a process that changes and transforms people. It is concerned with emotions, values, ethics, standard, and long-term goals. Transformational leaders move followers to accomplish more than what is usually expected of them. Transformational leaders are passionate, driven individuals who are able to paint a compelling vision of the future. They are able to generate high levels of excitement among followers and build strong emotional attachments with them (Hughes, Ginnett, & Curphy, 2012)” (PSU, p1)
When examining the overall characteristics of the leader and their followers we see that charismatic/transformational leaders have vision, rhetorical skills, image and trust building attributes, and are able to pick up on the social cues of their followers. Ideal follower in the situations identify with that leader in the vision, they are “moved” to participate, are willing subordinates and at some point find themselves working harder and expecting more themselves. Does any of this sound familiar? Can these characteristics be layered onto anyone else? Absolutely, from Charles Manson to Adolf Hitler to Abraham Lincoln and well beyond. The differential is simply what you do with and to, and expect of others.
The key is in the phrase “…all transformational leaders are charismatic, but not all charismatic leaders are transformational.” (PSU, p6). I pose that the danger comes in the form of the follower. The concept of critical thinking and knowing oneself allows you to reconsider your values and task goals for service in the greater good and a lack of those skills in the follower facilitates manipulation.
A tremendously useful leadership skill is a willingness to and drive to understand yourself before attempting to lead others. Study others and life experience facilitate the opportunity for developing leaders to apply logic, historical information, and current circumstances to determine the best courses of action for themselves first, regard potential pitfalls before they occur and utilize intelligent inquiry. The best outcome from genuine transformational leadership is form of shared leadership and mentorship. True transformational leaders inspire followers to become leaders themselves, to think for themselves, and to continue that process with others, as radical concept is that may be.
I leave you with a view quotes from John C. Maxwell “you can like people without leading them, you cannot leave people without liking them” and “leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others” and of course Socrates “let him that will move the world, 1st move himself.”
References
Maxwell, J. (2011). The five levels of leadership: Proven steps to maximize your potential. New York: Center Street.
Northouse, P.G. (Ed.). (2013). Leadership: Theory and practice (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Pennsylvania State University. (2015). Leadership in Work–PSYCH 485 Online course lesson, PSU- World Campus, The Pennsylvania State University. Retrieved from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/sp15/psych485/001/content/10_lesson/toc.html
David Northrop says
A very interesting use of quotes. A couple of these I have heard before and are staples among leadership trainers. But, I think you hit it on the head when you compared the various leadership theories to perspectives of a jewel. They are all related and depending upon each persons’ perspective as to how they feel the jewel fits their style. Even without a style, the traits that one has or lacks, shows through to give a perspective of style.
I would like to touch a little on your statements regarding transformation leadership. I am not so sure that it would be correct to say that it changes or transforms people more than it changes the landscape or environment by bringing out the best in people. It may be just semantics, but I feel that people really do not change, but they can be lead to perform for a common cause or even something that is inspirational. A transformational leader just knows how to motivate those around them to accomplish things that can change the landscape. But you are correct, or should I say the quote you used is correct, in that transformational leadership and charisma do not always go hand-in-hand. But when they do, it is something to see. Talk about selling freezers to Eskimos, these leaders would also sell them air-conditioners.
Knowing your own leadership style is the key. While you may not be the charismatic leader, or even the one to inspire others to move the world, but knowing the traits you bring will help to tune what you have to be more effective.