4 Keys to Transformational Leadership

November 2022

The world is longing for leaders who can inspire and develop their people. If you aspire to lead others in a way that leaves a lasting impact, here are four simple steps to practicing transformational leadership. The four aspects of transformational leadership are 1) Individualized Consideration, 2) Intellectual Stimulation, 3) Inspirational Motivation, and 4) Idealized Influence.

Source: https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/transformational-leadership

“Transformational leadership has captured the imagination of scholars and managers, with evidence showing that it is universally the most desired and most effective style of leadership”

- Leong & Fischer (2011)

Now, let's make these four principles practical and with some simple terms.

Individualized Considerations = Servant Leadership

• Develops followers into leaders
• Encourages and offers personal support
• Recognizes motivations, contributions, and celebrates wins
• Demonstrates empathy and care
• Offers 1:1 focus

Intellectual Stimulation = Adaptive Leadership

• Incentivizes innovation and out-of-the-box thinking
• Expects improvement and growth
• Challenges the norm
• Includes others in decisions and processes
• Supports learning and development

Inspirational Motivation = Charismatic Leadership

• Inspires and motivates to reach goals
• Articulates vision and purpose
• Communicates with clarity and precision
• Drives confidence
• Aligns organizational efforts

Idealized Influence = Authentic Leadership

• Sets example and models the way
• Builds trust through consistency
• Leads with integrity
• Draws followers to replicate leadership
• Elevates values

While all of these aspects of transformational leadership appear follower-centric, it's important to note that a textbook transformational leader always keeps the organizational success as front and center. It's not hard to make your leadership all about your follower. What's hard is balancing follower flourishing with organizational success. Transformational leaders know how to elevate both.

Pick one category of transformational leadership, then focus on one bullet point you can apply today: practice and repeat.

All the best,

Neal Anderson, PhD?|?CARTO Leadership

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