Transformational Leadership

Last week, we established that, transformational leaders have the ability to inspire positive changes in individuals and organizations. That Transformational Leadership extends beyond traditional methods of leadership by empowering and motivating followers to achieve extraordinary outcomes. At its foundation, Transformational Leadership focuses on influencing changes through shared vision, motivation, and also inspires personal learning and growth among their members. Transformational Leaders are known for fostering cultures of inclusion, trust and innovation.

We also established that there are core characteristics of transformational leaders which include individualized consideration. This is demonstrated by the leader’s sincere concern for the personal and professional welfare of each member and by so doing, nurtures a compassionate environment.

Inspirational Motivation.

They have the ability to communicate the vision of the organisation in such a convincing way that employees understand the vision and want to pursue it above their personal aspirations.

Charismatic Leadership.

They have a magnetic personality that draws people in and causes them to believe in the leader, trust the leader and want to follow the leader.
Lastly, Intellectual Stimulation: These leaders have the ability to challenge tradition and encourage creativity and innovation. They create a safe environment for employees to try new approaches and think critically. It must be mentioned that Transformational Leadership can be found is every facet of society and is manifested in different styles. Some leaders’ dominant trait may be Individualized Consideration, others may be their Charismatic Leadership, others may be Intellectual Stimulation, still others may be Inspirational Motivation.

Bernard Bass et al Transformational Leadership theory argues that Transformational Leaders have a deep influence on their members and this influence leads to higher motivation, greater job satisfaction and improved performance. As promised, this week we turn our gaze to some real life examples of Transformational Leaders.

Steve Jobs has attracted a reputation as a Transformational Leader. Scholars such as Bass and Riggio, 2005, and Bryant, 2003, have reference his charismatic and inspirational qualities. He is featured in The New York Times for this contribution in transforming music, movies and mobile communication, Madoff, 2011. Jobs is quoted as saying “I want to put a ding in the universe.” Isaacson, 2011. Still other scholars such as Victor Vroom, professor at Yale School of Management had this to say in 2010 “[Jobs] is the supreme example of the transformational leader who stands for higher order values…he has caused people to do things they might never have done before.” The Board of Directors of Apple, made a statement in 2011, after the death of Jobs, saying, “The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.” Bass, 1995, associated the statement with superior leadership.

Furthermore, US President, Barack Obama said, “Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it”. He went on to say, “Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world,” in Gardner and Thornhill, 2011.
Sir Richard Branson is often described as charismatic and transformational with a knack for inspiring and motivating those around him. Although his approach is different than Steve Jobs, both are great Transformational Leaders in their own right.

Sir Branson stands out for his charisma, collaborative and participative style of leadership. De Vries, 1998 and Niphadkar, 2017, argue that Sir Branson is characterized as “having transformational abilities on reputational branding and combining charismatic features with an architectural role that can build a solid construction on his visions.” Sir Branson possesses the ability to articulate his vision to his followers in such a way that leads to buy in and support. He is known for demonstrating concern and sensitivity to employees and followers in need.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sir Branson penned a letter to his employees providing comfort and reassurance during a time of uncertainty and turmoil. He is described as an action-oriented change agent who can be restless and energetic and is driven by new opportunities. Of great importance is Sir Branson’s ability to build alliances and make people feel special.

It cannot be overemphasised that a leader’s approach impacts their followers’ engagement and motivation. Successful leaders see employees as individuals first and treat them with respect. Be a leader who inspires and motivates change through your behaviour instead of one who uses your tongue as a slave master’s whip. carroll_-_steve_jobs_transformational_leader.pdf (sagepub.com)

Sir Richard Branson: A Global Leader with a Difference by Dr. Gerard H. Th.Bruijl : SSRN.

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