What is Transformational Leadership?
Transformational leaders have existed throughout history, but only in the last century has there been an analysis to examine, distill, and teach the qualities that distinguish transformational leadership from other models.
The traditional model of leadership in organizations has been transactional leadership, which seeks to achieve an outcome through an exchange of value (exchanging work for money, for example). This more common, current management paradigm—effective in many ways—is insufficient to respond to current global challenges.
Transformational leadership seeks to go further, satisfying and responding to higher missions and purposes within the individual and the organization—tapping the hearts and minds of employees at all levels—and changing the status quo in the process.
Rather than merely accomplishing a goal through an exchange of effort for value, transformational leaders seek — in the process of accomplishing goals—to empower and develop the follower, the leader, and their organization such that they achieve extraordinary outcomes while generating higher levels of satisfaction and commitment.
These leaders participate in their own personal transformation involving a pronounced change in their values and beliefs. This personal transformation has a profound effect on the people around them and, ultimately, their world.
More Resources on Transformational Leadership
The Many Dimensions of Change by Dr. Don Beck
An Executive Summary of Transformational Leadership by Dr. Ron Riggio
Purchase Transformational Leadership by Dr. Ron Riggio
Transformational Leadership article in Wikipedia
Dr. Don Beck's website Spiral Dynamics Integral
Dr. Ron Riggio's page at the Kravis Leadership Institute
Which Leaders Get the Most out of Their Staffs by Dr. Bob Wright