A reflection on Transformational leadership – Activity 1 – Unit 4

Transformational Leadership is considered a part of the “New Leadership” paradigm, (as cited by Bryman, 1992) which gives focus to the charismatic component (Northouse, 2019, p163).

This form of leadership has been a part of several discussions within the scholastic circle, while others believe it is overemphasized (as cited by Andersen, 2015; Anderson, Baur, Griffiths, & Buckley, 2017) (p.163).

The total man is brought into question, as this form of leadership is engaged. Transformation is gauged against the emotional and cognitive – one’s ability to reason value, ethics, and standards while seeking long-term goals (p 163). The complete process is to transform and change lives.

At the heart of transformational leadership is the ability of the leader to transform his followers to act in ways that support the greater good rather than self-interest. “We found that the leader’s values were related to transformational leadership and transformational leadership was related to followers’ values” (Mulla “et al”,2011, p.29)

There are several factors or behavior that the Transformational leader deploys. According to Northouse (2019), “idealized influence (charisma), Inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, Individualized consideration, contingent reward, management by exception and laissez-faire are considered vital factors.

 

We, therefore, suggest that Pope Francis is one of our current World leader who demonstrates transformational leadership. He is concerned with making others around him better. “Francis has electrified the church and attracted legions of non-Catholic admirers by energetically setting a new direction” (fortune Editors, 2014). He has constantly called for a change in one’s thinking, removing the cognitive bias and using the intellectual skill to see from multiple perspectives, recognizing the patterns (teachphilosophy, 2012).  He said: “I believe in God, not in a Catholic God, there is no Catholic God”. In another interview with La Stampa, Pope Francis emphasized his commitment to ecumenism, stating: “For me, ecumenism is a priority. Today, we have the ecumenism of blood” (Wikipedia contributors, 2018). A method of uniting the Christian community. The very same was done with independent Catholics, Oriental Ortodoxy among other faith based group. He was instrumental in bridging the gap between the United States of America (USA) and Cuba.

Transformational Leadership goes beyond its counterpart “transactional Leadership” has it broadens leadership to include “the growth of followers, and it places a strong emphasis on morals and values”, (Northouse, 2019.p. 192)

 

References:

Editors, F. (2014, March 20). The World’s 50 Greatest Leaders (2014). Retrieved October 18, 2018, from http://fortune.com/2014/03/20/worlds-50-greatest-leaders/

Mulla, Z. R., & Krishnan, V. R. (2011). Transformational Leadership. Journal of Human Values, 17(2), 129-143. doi:10.1177/097168581101700203

Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

[teachphilosophy]. (2012, December 26). What is critical thinking? [Video File]. Retrieved
October 13, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oAf3g5_138&feature=youtu.be

 

Wikipedia contributors. (2018, October 14). Pope Francis. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 08:14, October 18, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pope_Francis&oldid=863944120