What is Transformational Leadership?
In my book, A Leader Worth Imitating, I explain that leaders have the power to transform people’s lives (Principle 18). This change can either be positive or negative.
If you, as a leader, want to make a positive change in the lives of those you lead, learning about the components of transformational leadership is a great place to start.
According to Bernard M. Bass and Ronald E. Riggio in their book Transformational Leadership, there are four components to transformational leadership:
- Idealized Influence
- Inspirational Motivation
- Intellectual Stimulation
- Individualized Consideration
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
1. Idealized Influence
Bass and Riggio explain, “Transformational leaders behave in ways that allow them to serve as role models for their followers” (p. 6).
In other words, transformational leaders don’t just talk the talk, they also walk the walk.
In A Leader Worth Imitating, I discuss integrity (Principle 4). Integrity is when you practice what you preach. It’s when your words and actions are the same.
As a transformational leader, one of the best ways to be a role model is to live with integrity.
Think About It: What are the things you regularly ask people to do? Is there anything you are preaching but not practicing?
2. Inspirational Motivation
Bass and Riggio write, “Transformational leaders behave in ways that motivate and inspire those around them by providing meaning and challenge to their followers’ work” (p. 6).
Essentially, transformational leaders have the ability to inspire and motivate their team.
In my book, I explain that there are two reasons someone might follow a leader: obligation or inspiration (Principle 8). Obligation is when you have to follow a leader. Inspiration is when you want to follow a leader.
As a transformational leader, you might not get to choose who is on your team. However, you do get to choose how you inspire them.
Think About It: Do the people you lead feel obligated or inspired to follow you? How can you inspire your team?
3. Intellectual Stimulation
Bass and Riggio note, “Transformational leaders stimulate their followers’ efforts to be innovative and creative by questioning assumptions, reframing problems, and approaching old situations in new ways” (p. 7).
Essentially, transformational leaders encourage their team to be creative and innovative.
In A Leader Worth Imitating, I discuss both creativity and innovation (Principles 15 & Principle 16). Creativity is making original work. Innovation is adapting existing work. Think about it like a house: creativity is building a house, while innovation is renovating that house.
As a transformational leader, sometimes you and your team will need to make something original. Other times you will need to adapt what already exists.
Think About It: How can you encourage creativity and innovation where you lead?
4. Individualized Consideration
Bass and Riggio state, “Transformational leaders pay special attention to each individual follower’s needs for achievement and growth by acting as a coach or mentor” (p. 7).
Essentially, transformational leaders show authentic interest in the wants and needs of their team.
In order to know what your team needs, you need to spend time with them. In my book, I discuss presence (Principle 2). Presence is not just being in the same room with someone. Presence is giving your time, attention, and interest to that person.
As a transformational leader, one of the greatest gifts you can give someone is your presence.
Think About It: How can you give your time, attention, and interest to the people you lead?
Final Thoughts
Transformational leadership is about more than strategies or techniques, it’s about the kind of person you are and how you engage with others.
- By living with integrity (Idealized Influence)…
- By inspiring people rather than obligating them (Inspirational Motivation)…
- By encouraging creativity and innovation (Intellectual Stimulation…
- By giving people your time and attention (Individualized Consideration)…
…you can truly transform the lives of those you lead.
Subscribe
Subscribe to have posts like this emailed to you.
Nick Chellsen 