How to Be a Transformational Leader, and Why it Matters

There’s no one way to be a leader, and not everyone will view leadership in the same way. In my experience, however, the most effective business owners and entrepreneurs adopt a transformational approach to leadership.?

Transformational leaders seek greater significance in their work. They aim to change the lives of those around them, not just their own. They see their legacy in the successes of their team and peers, not just the number in their bank account. They are always learning and looking to LEVEL UP. And because of all of this, their influence reaches far beyond their individual sphere. ?

But why does this matter, and how can you ensure you’re adopting a transformational approach to leadership? Let’s discuss.?

The Impact of a Transformational Leader ?

Here’s the thing some of us do not want to admit: Business owners cannot succeed all on their own, even though our ego can sometimes tell us otherwise. No matter how smart or talented we think we are, we need other great people around us, supporting our vision and making things happen each day. Without an effective team, the business owner will never be able to step away and start working on the business instead of in it. ?

So, a motivated team is absolutely essential to success. And while tactical or strategic leaders will find some people who respond to their own methods of motivation, fewer and fewer people are motivated solely by monetary rewards for reaching their goals. ?

These days, people — especially young people — are motivated by more than money. We see evidence of this in the increasing importance of work/life balance and discussions around mental health in the workplace. The next generation of professionals wants to be inspired in their jobs. They want to see their impact and understand why it matters. For them to be engaged at work, they need to align with their employer’s vision and mission. This is how and why they unleash their full potential. ?

Transformational leaders are engaging with their teams in this way already. By default, a transformational approach to leadership is an inspirational one. This approach says, “Here is my vision for the future, and this is why it’s beneficial for all of us. Are you with me?” And that is how you get great professionals on board with you these days. ?

How to Adopt a Transformational Leadership Approach??

For some, being a transformational leader will come naturally. For others, this requires a pretty significant shift in mentality. Many will fall somewhere in the middle. Whatever the case, a transformational leader has to be genuine in order to be effective. ?

Here are some of my tips for becoming a transformational leader:?

1. Shift Your Focus?

Many entrepreneurs are laser-focused on their bottom line. And that makes sense! A business needs to make money in order to be successful. But you also need to make time to check in with your people and take care of them. Understand that they are your best resource, and that taking the time to learn their needs so that you can better meet them as an employer is not just sound business advice, but also the right thing to do.?

2. Leverage Your Emotional Intelligence?

Some of us may have learned that feelings have no place in a professional setting, but that’s not the case any longer (if it ever truly was in the first place.) Empathy and understanding are key to transformational leadership. Your workforce is very likely increasingly emotionally intelligent, and therefore you must be, too. Listen, hear your people out, and get to know them. Find out what inspires them, and then provide it as best you can. Then, watch them flourish. ?

If you don’t consider yourself particularly emotionally intelligent, don’t panic. There are many books, podcasts, videos, and other available resources to help you work on this. ?

3. Always Operate with Integrity?

One of the key traits of a transformational leader is trustworthiness. Your people, and your peers, have to see you as a reliable person whom they can trust to lead them through all the ups and downs that a business can face. If someone cannot place their faith in you, it is very difficult to inspire them. ?

So, always have integrity. Follow up on your promises, stick to your word, and be transparent. If an employee has a comment, question, or criticism, meet them with humility and be straight with them. They may not necessarily always agree with you, but you will have their respect. And that is absolutely key here.?

(Side note: In my opinion, integrity is a core principle of ANY good business owner. So, if you only take one thing away from this discussion, I hope it is this point.)?

4. Provide Recognition and Encouragement?

If you have someone on your team who you know is working hard, acknowledge that. Even if they aren’t reaching a certain number or goal, recognize effort and growth whenever you can. This recognition does not have to be monetary, and can be as simple as a phone call or email saying, “I see what you’re doing, and I appreciate it.”?

Now, it is helpful to eventually put your money where your mouth is. Take care of those people who are in the trenches for you, and they’ll take care of you right back. ?

5. Foster an Open, Positive Culture?

Ensure that your approach to leadership flows down your entire organization to maintain consistency. Make sure any other managers or team leaders you have under you are on the same page and adopting a similar approach. This way, people are operating in an inspirational, transformative environment at all times, even when you aren’t around. ?

Now, all of this isn’t going to happen overnight. You’re not going to completely transform your organization's culture with one meeting, or change your approach to everything you do after reading one article. Maybe start small, by mentoring or coaching a younger professional. See how a transformational approach helps there, then use those lessons to help LEVEL UP both yourself and your business.?

I think you’ll find that this empathetic, inspirational approach to leadership is incredibly impactful for you, and all of those around you. ?