What is Transformational Leadership?
Transformational leadership is one (of many) leadership styles that have been proven to enhance employee motivation and job satisfaction1. Here is a list of attributes that transformational leaders exemplify:
- Being a good example
- Leading in brainstorming conversations
- Guiding team members in development opportunities
- Paying attention to team member’s specific needs
- Providing specific insight into an individual’s growth
Beyond team dynamics, transformational leaders excel in cultivating relationships with external stakeholders, industry peers, and partners. These relationships are not transactional, built on mutual respect, and lead to collaborations that benefit the organization.
Leaders who practice these skills have proven that job satisfaction and performance within their organizations increase.
The influence of a transformational leader extends deep into the organizational culture, fostering an atmosphere where innovation is integral to everyday operations. This leadership approach transforms workplaces into spaces where team members feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best.
Are You a Transformational Leader?
Good news: Transformational leadership is one of many effective leadership styles! There is much to be gained from it – you can take what you like and leave the rest.
Below is a list of areas that can result in others needing more confidence in their leader. If any of these resonate with you, consider doing further research to grow in that specific area:
- Being distracted in team interactions
- A lack of personal accountability
- Failure to meet deadlines
- Not being self-aware*
- Being a lousy model of the ideal team behavior
- A need to increase other’s trust in you
Whether it’s being actively engaged or meeting deadlines, transformational leaders address these challenges head-on. No one is asking you to be perfect, but you’ll see your team grow as you grow toward being a better leader.
How To Become a Transformational Leader
Becoming a transformational leader is a continuous process; here are practical steps leaders can take:
Reflect and Adapt:
Take time to evaluate your performance , your actions have alignment with your commitments, and how others perceive your actions and performance.
Create Accountability:
You need to hire a coach or find a manager above yourself. Expecting a team member under your management to hold you accountable is unrealistic. Find a coach, a colleague, or a manager and work with them as your accountability partner. It will be a hard but critical step to growing in any leadership style.
Block Your Schedule:
Protecting your time is paramountl for most leaders. When we don’t protect our time, we are subject to distractions and cannot meet our commitments. Protect your time and build trust with your team. Time blocks can be for team member reflection and planning, personal accountability, or any work that’s crucial to complete.
Wrapping It Up
Transformational leadership is about more than achieving short-term goals. It’s about instilling a sense of purpose, fostering an environment of mutual growth, and leading by example. It may take something other than the 3 steps above to improve your ability to lead; we’d love to help.
If you want help finding the next 3 steps you need to take for your leadership, schedule a call with a Kairos Coach.
If you’re going to do it yourself, block some time on your calendar, do an honest reflection, and make a game plan.
Sources
- Yusup, A., & Maulani, I. E. (2023). The Influence of Transformational Leadership on Employee Motivation. Devotion: Journal of Research & Community Service, 4(3), 798–802. https://doi.org/10.36418/devotion.v4i3.441
- Coskun, B., Katitas, S., & Arslan, P. (2023). School Principals’ Transformational Leadership Behaviors as a Predictor of Teachers’ Perceptions of Organizational Commitment. Research in Pedagogy / Istraživanja u Pedagogiji, 13(1), 193–207. https://doi.org/10.5937/IstrPed2301193C
