Transformational leadership is considered as being an effective strategy to implement within organizations. Transformational leaders implement change by working with their teams. They create a vision and guide the change through motivation and inspiration. They are usually exceptional role models and have a great fan following as a lot of their team members emulate them. Transformational leaders also inspire their followers by activating their self- efficacy. This makes their team members believe that they can perform beyond expectations.
Four Main Components of Transformational Leaders
Bernard Bass developed a theory of transformational leaders that comprised of four main components or transformational leadership skills which are enumerated below:
1.Individualized Consideration
This essentially refers to the extent to which a transformational leader attends to each follower’s needs. The leader listens to the concerns of each employee with empathy. This inspires each follower to understand his/her inherent potential and the skill sets that each follower brings to the organization. It develops intrinsic motivation in the follower that prompts him/her to develop further in the organization.
2.Inspirational Motivation
Inspirational motivation refers to the degree to which a leader articulates an appealing vision. An appealing vision can be defined as one that inspires and motivates others to perform beyond expectations. High standards and high expectations are called for, from followers. Team spirit is normally boosted by inspirational motivation.
3.Intellectual Stimulation
Challenging assumptions, taking risks and soliciting followers’ ideas are a part of intellectual stimulation. Transformational leaders recognize followers through creativity, innovation, and stimulation. As new approaches are tried and innovative ways of handling organizational issues are found by followers, the leader acts as a collaborator and supporter.
4.Idealized Influence
When transformational leaders show idealized influence, they become role models for their followers. Followers want to emulate and identify with these leaders because of their high standards of ethical behavior. Such leaders are deeply respected by their followers. They provide their followers with a mission and a vision.
Transformational Leaders are Positive Role models
Transformational leaders have the ability to connect with others regardless of hierarchy. They maintain close contact with their followers. Transformational leadership skills also include setting very high ethical standards for leaders themselves. Transformational leadership helps in elevating the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.
Transformational leaders are visionary, empowering, excellent role models, attend to each follower’s needs and motivating. Moreover, they contribute to the organization’s future development.
Transformational Leadership Online Programs
Several Transformational Leadership online programs are available. IMD Business School, Lynda, and Talentedge offers programs on transformational leadership. XLRI, through Talentedge, offers an Executive Development Program in Transformational Leadership. This is an eight-month program with live and interactive classes. It promises to enhance transformational leadership skills. By drawing from wide-ranging theoretical insights each participant is enabled to leverage his/her unique skills. Transformational leadership online programs are recommended for all levels of management. There is an indication that they are progressively becoming popular with senior management.
