Monday, May 23, 2011

Transformational Leadership

The assumptions are that “People will follow a person who inspires them. A person with vision and passion can achieve great things. The way to get things done is by injecting enthusiasm and energy.” The sentiment is that a transformational leader possesses the qualities to satisfy these assumptions. They put passion and energy into everything. They care about their followers and they want their followers to succeed. Transformational leaders have a view of the future that is designed to excite and convert their followers. They use a lot of energy and commitment because they are constantly selling their vision. Transformational leaders take every opportunity and use whatever it takes to convince others to join their team. As a result, they must be careful in creating trust, and their personal integrity is a critical part of the package they are selling. Transformational leaders are always visible and will stand up to be counted. They show by their attitudes and actions how everyone else should behave. “The transformational leader seeks to infect and reinfect their followers with a high level of commitment to the vision.” However, transformational leaders must be careful because “Whilst it is true that great things have been achieved through enthusiastic leadership, it is also true that many passionate people have led the charge right over the cliff and into a bottomless chasm. Just because someone believes they are right, it does not mean they are right.” Also, “the energy that gets people going can also cause them to give up.” http://changing minds.org/disciplines/leadership/styles/transformational_leadership.htm

2 comments:

  1. I think that transformational leadership is a proven and effective way to lead others in ministry. Those who display transformational leadership qualities are able to cast vision for the group and invite others to join in what God is doing in that time and place. When thinking about transformational leadership in the Bible, I think of the leadership of Caleb. After going to the land of Canaan as a spy, Caleb came back saying “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Caleb was not daunted by the fears of the other spies, but enthusiastically conveyed to the Israelites the vision of God. In this same story we see transformational leadership at its worst, as the other spies convinced the Israelites through lies and exaggerations that the land of Canaan was impossible to conquer. The influence of the spies caused the Israelites to rebel and anger the Lord. This story from Numbers 13 and 14 is a good reminder that as leaders we must stay closely connected to the Lord, for our influence and leadership has the power to do both good and great evil.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.