What is Transformational Leadership?
Steve Jobs. Oprah Winfrey. Nelson Mandela. These are just some people who should come to mind when you hear “transformational leadership.”
Transformational leaders encourage, inspire, and motivate their followers. These pioneers help their employees innovate, create, and change in ways that promote personal, professional, and organizational growth and success. They want their followers, or employees, to question the status quo and reach higher levels of motivation and morality.
The transformational leadership style forms a strong sense of trust between follower and leader. This is partly due to the personality traits associated with these leaders—being very charismatic for one—but also because transformational leaders set a good example, share their vision, and don’t micromanage. Their behaviors influence those around them to perform beyond perceived capabilities and to achieve remarkable outcomes.