During your lifetime, you have most probably been part of a group where someone took control of the situation by passing on a clear vision of the group’s goals, an obvious passion for the work, alongside with an ability to make the others from the group feel revived and eager to accomplish the set goal. This person just might have been what is called a transformational leader.

James MacGregor Burns has been the first to introduce the concept of this leadership style. According to him, transformational leadership can be seen when “leaders and followers make each other to advance to a higher level of moral and motivation.”

Watch the following video and note the 4 types of behaviors that characterize transformational leaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u8_ctKso0Y

The idea of transformational leadership has been expanded by Bernard M. Bass, who says, that transformational leadership can be defined based on the impact that the leader has on its followers. As you could see in the video above, there are four components to transformational leadership, as follows:

1. Idealized influence – the transformational leader serves as a role model for followers. This can be achieved by working hard and setting a positive example. Because followers trust you as a leader, they respect and admire you.

2. Inspirational motivation – transformational leaders have a clear vision which they are able to communicate to followers. While applying inspirational motivation, you should be thinking about helping your followers experience the same passion and motivation as you do to fulfill the set goals.

3. Intellectual stimulation – it is really important, in case you chose transformational leadership style, to be able to intellectually influence your followers. Transformational leaders not only challenge the present circumstances in order for their teams to do better; but they also boost creativity among followers. The leader inspires his/her team to explore new ways of doing things and new opportunities to learn.

4. Individualized consideration – transformational leadership also involves offering support and encouragement to individual followers. In order to foster supportive relationships, transformational leaders keep lines of communication open so that followers feel free to share ideas and so that leaders can offer direct recognition of the unique contributions of each follower.

As we have seen transformational leadership is a leadership style that can inspire positive changes in team members. Transformational leaders are generally energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate. Not only are these leaders concerned and involved in the process; they are also focused on helping every member of the group succeed as well.

Choosing transformational leadership style will not only help you achieve high performance within your team, but consequently will pay back your efforts.

Watch the video about Maria Monastirioti’s MAMA’S FLAVOURS here: https://youtu.be/IyL6ztNyFJQ and see for yourself.