The Top 5 Characteristics Of Transformational Leadership

Which leader brought out the best in you?

What did they say or do?

How did they make you feel?

Leadership is all about people, and I am 100 percent sure, your life was impacted by someone you admired dearly during your personal or professional life. God knows I have.

Transformational leaders, for example, are a rare breed and they often distinguish themselves from other leaders by their unique characteristics. In the book The Leadership Challenge, the authors suggest that when transformational leadership exists, people "raise each other to higher levels of motivation and morality." These leaders instill "a sense of adventure in others, look for ways to radically alter the status quo, and ... scan the environment for new and fresh ideas.

These leaders always search for opportunities to do what has never been done, and as a result, their leadership is exemplified in these 5 characteristics.

Inspire a shared vision

According to Dr. Rhonda Pennings, A primary characteristic of the transformational leader is to have the synergy to create visions and goals for the institution out of the old vision. The leader must not only create a new vision for the institution but also adequately communicate this vision to others. In The Leadership Challenge, the authors emphasize that "by using persuasive language, positive communication style, and nonverbal expressiveness; leaders breathe life into a vision that is shared by everyone in the organization.

Challenge the status quo

The Harvard Business Review asked more than 1,000 employees; How often have you seen senior leaders challenge the status quo. The result? 42% said never or almost never, 32% said sometimes, and 26% said fairly often or very often. Only 3% said always. Transformational leaders by their nature challenge the status quo and are not afraid of change.

Enable others to act

The transformational leader is comfortable involving others in the decision-making process. If the leader empowers others and delegates responsibilities, followers can share in the decision-making process. They are more likely to use the participatory process to arrive at a consensus. According to Pielstick, when leaders foster participation with others in the decision-making process, there is less likelihood of escalating the conflict to emerge. The leader has a mentality that is inclusive to all followers including diverse and multicultural groups. They listen to everyone and seek to create an atmosphere of empowerment in their organization.

Model the way

Transformational leaders serves as a role model for their employees. Because they trust and respect the leader, they emulate this individual and internalize his or her ideals. If the leader do not demonstrate a commitment through their actions, that organization will be full of conflict and quickly become a very toxic place to work. Leaders should always walk the talk, but it becomes even more critical to do so when their organization is going through a change.

Encourage the heart

Another critical aspect of transformational leadership is that the leader must intellectually and emotionally stimulate people. When leaders inspire and empower others, the work becomes stimulating, motivating, challenging, and fascinating. By building on their strengths and enhancing their knowledge and skills, leaders can have a transforming effect on the lives of their employees by helping them stay engaged and competent in their chosen career.

Transformational leaders are change agents. They exhibit characteristics that reflect a vision for the future, demonstrate an ability to influence others, provide inspiration and encouragement to others, and express high-performance expectations.

The end - result of transformational leadership is that people are motivated to succeed, and the institution is strengthened and transformed. Transformational leadership inspire people to believe that the impossible is possible and in the process, bring forth the best in themselves and others.

To determine if you are a transformational leader and if any gaps exist in your leadership.  CLICK HERE to complete the Self-assessment. 

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I am the founder of Leadership First, a website dedicated to helping all leaders lead with inspiration and purpose. I am also the author of Communication for Change Management, Mastering Communication To Architect Change. When you read this book, you will become an inspirational leader, who can develop and implement a successful communication plan for any type of change in any industry or sector. 

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