Transformational Leadership

According to Khendra Cherry,

• Transformational leadership is a leadership style that can

inspire positive changes in those who follow. Transformational
leaders are generally energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate.
Not only are these leaders concerned and involved in the
process, but they are also focused on helping every member of
the group succeed.

• The primary goals of transformational leadership are to inspire

growth, promote loyalty, and instill confidence in group
members. This article discusses the characteristics of
transformational leadership and its effects on groups.
Components of Transformational
Leadership
• Intellectual stimulation: Transformational leaders not only challenge the status quo; they also
encourage creativity among followers. The leader encourages followers to explore new ways of
doing things and new opportunities to learn.

• Individualized consideration: Transformational leadership also involves supporting and

encouraging individual followers. To foster supportive relationships, transformational leaders
keep lines of communication open so that followers feel free to share ideas and so that leaders
can offer immediate recognition of the unique contributions of each follower.

• Inspirational motivation: Transformational leaders have a clear vision that they can articulate to
followers. These leaders can also help followers experience the same passion and motivation to
fulfill these goals.

• Idealized influence: The transformational leader serves as a role model for followers. Because
followers trust and respect the leader, they emulate this individual and internalize their ideals.

• Groups led by this type of leader tend to be both successful and loyal. They give a lot to the team
and care deeply about the group's ability to accomplish its goals. Turnover tends to be relatively
low as transformational leaders can inspire a great deal of commitment in their followers.
Traits of Transformational Leaders
So what are some typical signs of a transformational leader? Common characteristics
of transformational leaders include:

1. Able to encourage others to communicate and participate

2. Active listening skills
3. Adaptability
4. Authenticity and genuineness
5. Creativity
6. Emotionally intelligent
7. Inspirational
8. Open-mindedness
9. Proactive problem-solvers
10. Self-awareness
11. Supportive
12. Willingness to take responsibility
13. Willingness to take well-informed risks
Charismatic Leadership
According to Western Governors University
(WGU)
• Charismatic management or leadership is a form of professional guidance or
management built on a foundation of strong communication skills,
persuasiveness, and maybe even a little bit of charm to help them get the
most out of everyone that works for them. They tend to be passionate, have
charisma (hence the charismatic title), and have strong convictions with a
deep connection to the work that they’re doing—which, in turn, inspires the
same conviction in others. Because of a charismatic leader’s intense
commitment to their work, they tend to evoke strong emotions from their
followers and teams. This encourages devotion, action, and strong problem-
solving skills.

• Charismatic management and leadership style is similar to transformational

leadership. In transformational leadership, managers are known for using
inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation to empower their
followers in doing their best work. But where the two approaches differ is in
how charismatic leaders focus on working within the status quo to make it
better, as opposed to creating an entirely new path.
Components of Charismatic Leadership:
• Forward-thinking goal setting: Because these great leaders are able to see the bigger picture,
charismatic leaders excel at setting project milestones well into the future to help keep teams
motivated and encourage continued advancements.

• Articulation: Being well spoken, a strong communicator, and capable of detailing company plans
in an engaging way ensures followers are on board at every level of production. This trait is key
for charismatic leaders.

• Ability to tap into people’s emotions: Encouragement and inspiration are one thing, but the trait of
emotionally connecting followers to a cause with your charisma can create a stronger sense of
devotion to the work.

• Openness to taking risks: As much as leaders with charisma work within the status quo, they’re
still willing to explore unique opportunities or approaches that could result in big gains.
• Clear vision: Knowing the desired outcome of a project, and the pathway to getting there, gives
followers a stronger sense of support as they work.
 Traits of Charismatic Leaders
1. Vulnerability and humility
2. Listening skills
3. Transparency
4. Determination
5. Communication skills
6. Compassion
7. Maturity
8. Vision
9. Self-monitoring and self-improvement
10. Confidence
11. Creativity
Examples of Transformational
Leadership
Recognizable figures who are often cited as examples of transformational
leadership include:

1. Barack Obama: The former U.S. President was known for his
transformational approach to running his administration, as well as his
unifying, motivating, and hopeful communication style.

2. Nelson Mandela: The former President of South Africa was famous for
serving as a source of authentic inspiration.

3. Oprah Winfrey: The media mogul is famous for her charismatic,

visionary, and inspirational leadership style.

4. Steve Jobs: Jobs was famous for his visionary leadership that
transformed Apple into a leader in the technology industry.
Examples of Charismatic
Leaders
• Soekarno is an example of a charismatic leader. He used
powerful speech, a charming personality, and an unwavering
commitment. He mobilized the community for positive
change, namely Indonesian independence.

• Some other examples of charismatic leaders are Martin Luther

King. He championed civil rights and eliminated racial
discrimination in the United States. On the business, there’s
Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric.
References:
Cherry, K. (16 September, 2022). What Is Transformational
Leadership?. verywellmind.com Source: https://
www.verywellmind.com/what-is-transformational-leadership-2795
313

Western Governors University (March 23, 2021). What is

charismatic leadership? wgu.edu. Source:
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/charismatic-leadership2103.html#close

Nasrudin, A. (August 26, 2022). Charismatic Leadership: Meaning,

Examples, Characteristics, Pros, Cons. penpoin.com. Source:
https://penpoin.com/charismatic-leadership/