Before delving into Transformational Leadership, let’s address leadership in general. A pretty often and overused term per se, it is never taught in a traditional manner. By simple textbook standards, leadership is the ability and willingness to take up ownership of any work, keeping in mind the best interest of the organization.
Transformational leadership is an approach that triggers change in individuals and the social ecosystems. In its Utopian form, transformational leadership is the reason behind causing positive transition in people, with the ultimate goal of transforming the followers into leaders.
Transformational leaders are sometimes referred as quiet leaders because they don’t lead out-rightly, but they lead by setting up an example. Compared to the other expressive leadership styles, transformational leaders are more inclined towards building a rapport, inspiring people or relating through empathy to interact with their followers. They are courageous and have the unflinching dedication for the greater good.
The Four I’s of Transformational Leadership-
1. Idealized Influence- As the term suggests, it is a component wherein the leaders act as role models to the followers who try to emulate their leader. A person, in general, is idolized when he has high, uncompromised ethics and integrity, a determined will to take risks for the betterment of everyone and a consistency in terms of his behaviour and mannerisms.
2. Inspirational Motivation- When the leader is the source of an inspiration to his followers, as he adds a certain hint of challenge to the tasks assigned, it extrinsically motivates the followers to perform better. This is achieved when the leader has the capability of involving his team into setting the goals and vision, communicating the expectations from people clearly and committing himself wholeheartedly in the direction of attaining the set vision.
3. Intellectual Stimulation- An organization is successful in achieving its defined goals when the whole team is proactively a part of it. This happens when the transformational leader encourages its followers to stimulate their minds and participate in coming up with innovative and creative solutions. The leader makes its followers to question the assumptions and theories, re-frame the existing structure and add ingenuity to the solutions.
4. Individualized Consideration- This component is all about giving personal attention to every follower in order to understand them in a better manner. The leader focuses on every individual in order to determine where that person lacks, thereby, acting as a mentor and assisting them to overcome their shortcomings. The whole idea is to develop customized learning modules addressing the unique needs of every follower.
Transformational leaders have an unfazed vision and a clear understanding of what they want to achieve. More importantly, they possess the ability to communicate this clarity of thought, to their followers as well. These leaders are dedicated people who set extraordinary company standards. The leader works cohesively to identify requisite change, and achieve it by creating a vision supported by inspiration and motivation.
Transformational leadership if one of the most innovative, subjective approach and also the most influential one. There is no fixed method and that is the best aspect of it.