Leadership is an important aspect of any organisation, and more often than not, it determines the make or break of a business. It is also a concept that is as old as time, but it surely evolves a little bit too slowly compared to other concepts that come with it. Its evolution, albeit slow, has generated a style that focuses on inspiring, motivating and challenging employees to achieve their full potential. This leadership style is known as transformational leadership.
Defining transformational leadership
The goal of transformational leadership is to inspire, motivate and challenge team members to reach their absolute best. This leadership approach places a strong emphasis on the growth of the employees and seeks to influence them in a good way. In other words, if you are a transformational leader, you are not just concerned with getting the task done, but you also think about the personal development of your team members.
As a transformational leader, you work towards developing a vision for the company and communicating this to the employees. You focus on creating a sense of purpose and meaning for the work that is being done. In today’s world where workers want to feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves, this type of leadership is highly effective.
The 4 components of transformational leadership
Becoming a transformational leader is like being an artist who uses the power of inspiration, motivation, and collaboration to create a masterpiece. Instead of using paints and brushes, you use your idealised influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualised consideration—the 4 components of transformational leadership.
Idealised influence
This element emphasises your capacity to serve as an example for your team members. Naturally, leaders who lead by example are respected and admired by those who follow them. As a leader, if your behaviour and actions are consistent with your values, you inspire your team to become the best that they can be.
Inspirational motivation
This component focuses on your ability to inspire and motivate your followers. If you are a transformational leader, you express a clear vision for the organisation and cultivate a sense of direction for the work being done. You encourage your team to go above and beyond what’s expected of them and to strive for excellence.
Intellectual stimulation
This element focuses on your ability to push your team to exercise critical and creative thinking. As a transformational leader, you encourage your followers to question the status quo and come up with new and innovative ideas. You foster and environment of learning and growth and encourage your team to develop their knowledge and abilities.
Individualised consideration
This component emphasises your capacity to understand and cater to the specific requirements of your team members. You take the time to get to know your members and recognise their strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. You also provide support and guidance to them to help achieve their goals.
The benefits of transformational leadership
Just like the other leadership styles, the effectiveness of transformational leadership is also determined by the cultural values of an individual. Although, it has been found to be equally effective across all hierarchical levels in organisations. Needless to say, your business will tremendously benefit from implementing this leadership style.
Here are some of its many advantages:
Increased employee engagement
When employees are engaged, they are more likely to be motivated, productive and committed to the company’s goals and objectives.
Transformational leadership can increase employee engagement in a number of ways. First, its clear vision for the organisation and its capacity to share this vision with the employees in an inspiring and motivating way cultivates a purpose-driven culture that enhances engagement. It also takes the time to get to know each and every employee, encourages them to improve themselves and even try new things, and provides them with role models with aligned behaviour and values. These aspects are sometimes overlooked but can definitely help in transforming the employees to be more engaged and committed to their work.
High levels of productivity and innovation
When employees are engaged and motivated, they are more productive. When they are encouraged to take risks, try something new, or experiment on things, they are more likely to come up with ideas that can benefit them and the organisation in the long run. Always remember that breakthroughs and new products do not just knock on the door. They take creative and innovative minds nourished by constant encouragement and motivation.
Improved organisational culture and performance
Engaged and motivated employees are more likely to work well with others and collaborate effectively. This leads to a positive and productive work environment, where everyone is working to achieve a common goal. Transformational leadership also sets the tone for the company’s culture, with its values and beliefs also reflected. Keep in mind that aligned vision and culture in a business lead to better performance and success.
Positive impact on employee retention and recruitment
Employees are more likely to stay with a company that values them and invests in their development. In the modern world, employees especially the young ones that are taking over the workforce like to be more involved and feel like they are actually making a difference. Companies that have strong cultures and values also appeal highly to these people.
Be the transformational leader you are meant to be
Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level and become a transformational leader? If you're looking to create a positive and productive work environment, increase employee engagement, and improve organisational culture and performance, then it's time to embrace transformational leadership.
Don't know where to start? Cybertron Academy provides transformational leadership training programme based on the Transformatrix methodology. Contact us today and start your journey toward becoming a more effective and successful leader. With our support and guidance, you'll be able to create a positive and productive work environment that benefits both your employees and your organisation.
Take the first step towards becoming a transformational leader and enrol in our program today!