(re)Tired or Classic?

In a recent conversation, a colleague mentioned that transformational leadership theory is a bit old and tired. I can see her point; the theory has been around since the 70’s.

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Max Downton (1973) first proposed a theory of transactional, charismatic and inspirational rebel leadership and then Pulitzer Prize winning James MacGregor Burns (1978) popularized the notion in his extensive writings about leadership. It was Bass (1985) that brought it into corporate life by finding a way to measure for it.

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That’s not tired and worn fad like your old shoes, that’s a CLASSIC like your favorite Chuck Taylors.

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So just like my own beloved Chuck’s I want to offer a bit of a perspective on why this simple theory is still so red-hot.

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The literature is chock full of decades of positive correlation with positive organizational outcomes-many that are highly sought after in organizations today- CEO success, reduced resistance to change, employee engagement, and innovative behavior to name a few.? After working in industry for nearly 30 years, and coaching, counseling, and advising executives over the past 5, I am convinced that the theory isn't tired- and that we've only scratched the surface in learning to apply the behavioral principles that have earned this theory a prominent place in the literature.

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Over the next months as I complete my dissertation, I’ll share bite size insights with you along the way. Lace up those Chuck Taylors and get ready for some change.