If you plant a seed and do not nourish it with water, sunlight, and other essentials, the seed will not take root and may wither away. If you provide the planted seed with water, nutrients, sunlight, and room to grow, it will flourish and reach new heights. This analogy illustrates how a transformational leader facilitates the growth process of their team. The transformational leader can envision the team’s potential and provide the resources needed to grow and achieve higher success.
Transformational leaders tend to be big vision thinkers and have developed the ability to convey a sense of purpose and vision to those they lead. Through developing relationships with other leaders and team members, the transformational leader can guide their teams to levels of success and achievement that some may not have previously considered possible. Individuals are empowered to take ownership of their work and become highly engaged.
The transformational leader provides feedback and recognition for a job well done. They actively listen to identify each team member’s concerns and goals. They also set challenging goals for the team or individual to achieve. At the same time, they keep their vision set to the organization’s overall goals, accept responsibility, and provide a sense of purpose and direction. These leadership tactics allow the team members to find meaning and fulfillment in their work, resulting in greater team engagement and higher levels of success. CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings, Henry Ford, Oprah Winfrey, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki and Richard Branson are examples of transformational leaders.
Transition Challenges and Solutions: A leader may encounter challenges when transitioning to a transformational leadership style. Team members might find the transition to a new way of working emotionally uncomfortable and resist or fail to compile or respond. Keep in mind that change is difficult for many. The shift in leadership style might also decrease trust levels, impacting team buy-in and collaboration. However, this doesn’t mean the shift is not worth the discomfort incurred during the change. To lessen the strain, leaders might find it beneficial to provide team members insight regarding the shift to minimize shock and chaos. Active listening skills and enhanced communication can give the team the needed information to feel comfortable through the transition.
Remember, transformation means to change. Transformational leaders embrace this concept of change and provide the motivation and inspiration to their team members to achieve in a culture of innovation, growth, and creativity. Developing relationships by focusing on their team members’ development and well-being creates a work environment that nurtures achievement and success. Incorporating this style into your leadership style can assist you in achieving greater levels of engagement from those you lead.
Take Action: What elements of the transformational leadership style align with your values and goals? Can you use this approach in your current role? What impact do you see it having on your team’s performance? As always, we invite you to jump in and be a part of the conversation and movement to impact how leaders lead positively! To learn more about how we can create a learning experience for your organization, email us at ala@deneenattard.com.
Learning on a Dime is a collaboration between DeNeen K. Attard and Jeni McIntosh-Elkins.
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