Upon reading this text about transformational leadership, Abraham Lincoln came to mind as a former leader that exhibited transformational leadership. Lincoln came to presidency in 1860 before the outbreak the American Civil War. Amidst the moral and constitution turmoil, Lincoln was able to lead America out of the War and played a pivotal role in abolishing slavery and strengthening the American government (History.com Editors, 2018). Through this time of heightened uncertainty, Abraham Lincoln demonstrated all four transformational leadership factors including, idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and individualized consideration (Northouse, 2017: p.169). Transformational leadership entails changing people by assessing followers\u2019 needs, emotions, values, and ethics, and treating them as human beings (Northouse, 2017: 163).<\/p>\n
Lincoln demonstrated idealized influence<\/strong> because he was able to connect with the country at an emotional level in a way that very few leaders can do. He raised the level of mortality across the nation by calling each and every citizen to stand with him for a higher purpose. He provided a vision for America stating, \u201cStanding as I do with my hand upon this staff, and under the folds of the American flag, I ask you to stand by me as long as I stand by it\u201d (\u201cAbraham Lincoln Quotes,\u201d n.d.). In addition, Lincoln had a strong moral and ethical code that citizens respected and wished to emulate (Northouse, 2017: p. 169).<\/p>\n In addition, Lincoln had inspiration motivation<\/strong> because he was able to raise the nation\u2019s level of consciousness about the importance of uniting towards a shared vision. He inspired the nation to transcend their own self-interest and value every human being (regardless of skin colour), and ultimately \u201caddress higher-level needs\u201d (Northouse, 2017: 168). He conveyed this by stating, \u201cMy dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth\u201d (\u201cAbraham Lincoln Quotes,\u201d n.d.). In order to lead the country in this time, Lincoln had to develop followers to reach their full potential. Evidently, he had to have a strong moral foundation to effectively call others to action and to think of something greater than themselves (Northouse, 2017: 169).<\/p>\n Lincoln used intellectual stimulation<\/strong> by challenging America\u2019s beliefs and values with regards to slavery (Northouse, 2017: p.171). Lastly, Lincoln used individualized consideration<\/strong> by creating a supportive climate and acted as a coach to help citizens of the nation become \u201cfully actualized\u201d (Northouse, 2017: p. 171). He frequently empowered them in his speeches, eloquently articulating that the power is with the people. He once said, \u201cI am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts\u201d (\u201cAbraham Lincoln Quotes,\u201d n.d.).<\/p>\n Was there an experience in your life where your values, beliefs, and self-interests were challenged by a transformation leader?<\/p>\n Christina<\/p>\n References<\/p>\n Abraham Lincoln Quotes. (n.d.) In Brainy Quote<\/em>. Retrieved on October 16, 2018, from https:\/\/www.brainyquote.com\/authors\/abraham_lincoln<\/p>\n History.com Editors. (2018, Sept 2). Abraham Lincoln<\/em>. HISTORY. Retrieved on October 16, 2018, from https:\/\/www.history.com\/topics\/us-presidents\/abraham-lincoln<\/p>\n Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: theory and practice<\/em> (Eighth ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Upon reading this text about transformational leadership, Abraham Lincoln came to mind as a former leader that exhibited transformational leadership. Lincoln came to presidency in 1860 before the outbreak the American Civil War. Amidst the moral and constitution turmoil, Lincoln was able to lead America out of the War and played a pivotal role in … <\/p>\n