FOUR COMPONENTS OF THE TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE

FOUR COMPONENTS OF THE TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE 

By NICHOLAS C. HILL (FIC FInstLM)

 

There is a wide array of acknowledged leadership styles. One such example is the transformational leadership style.

 

James MacGregor Burns, a presidential biographer and leadership specialist, first introduced the transformational leadership style. Burns’ professional endeavours were primarily dedicated to the improvement of management principles and procedures. Through this advocacy, he was able to formulate a mode of leadership skills in which followers, alongside their leaders, are able to sustain equal drive, motivation, and enthusiasm.

 

Transformational leaders, as envisioned by James MacGregor Burns, have a clear grasp of their team’s goals and are adept at conveying these goals, alongside the steps and methods necessary to the goals’ achievement, to his or her members in such a way that their palpable faith and passion become contagious and transformative.

 

 

These leaders are equipped with unrivalled energy and enthusiasm, which they deftly maximize for the advancement of both team and individual efforts. They are visionaries with engaging personalities to boot, hence, allowing them to influence their team’s beliefs and perceptions for the good of the organisation, and for the eventual success of the task at hand.

 

A researcher named Bernard M. Bass eventually refined James MacGregor Burn’s leadership style concept. This led to the conceptualisation of the Bass’ Transformational Leadership Theory, which determined the four components of the transformational leadership style.

 

These are covered in our UK wide public leadership and management courses London , Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow.

 

1. Intellectual Stimulation

One of the key advocacies of transformational leaders is to challenge the current organisational culture for the purpose of determining ways to improve or augment organisational practices and procedures. Through shaking the established norms and questioning the status quo, the transformational leadership style amplifies followers’ level of creativity, and fosters open-mindedness toward new avenues for learning.

 

2. Individualised Consideration

Transformational leadership style gives high regard to the importance of open communication lines within a team. Such a scenario is considered vital in terms of providing individual feedback and recognition, as well as in ensuring that each team member knows his or her voice is valued in the organisation.

 

 

3. Inspirational Motivation

Clear communication of goals and definite delegation of tasks and responsibilities is a leadership competency in which transformational leaders excel. Furthermore, those who follow the transformational leadership style are aware that their entire team needs to be on the same level of passion and enthusiasm in order to ensure utmost efficiency and productivity; hence, they unwaveringly cater their expertise in support and motivation to each of their team members.

 

4. Idealised Influence

Transformational leaders do not lead by intimidation or predetermined command. They lead by setting an example. Through their keen observance of transformational leadership practices, they are able to gain their team members’ faith and respect, which eventually inspires these members to emulate their admirable qualities.

 

The transformational leadership style requires an intensive grasp and understanding of key leadership concepts such as communication skills, interpersonal skills, process skills, and the likes. Its efficacy is ultimately gauged by the level of impact it has on team members or employees.

 

Nicholas C. Hill is Managing Director and Principal Trainer for The Hill Consultancy Ltd, London, specialising in UK-wide public training courses in leadership and management development. Become a highly productive manager and influential leader today. Claim £100 off the list price on any two-day course. Promotional code: PASSION0213. Visit the website or call now to find out more or request a FREE consultation.

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