Transformational Leadership and the impact it has on managerial positions

Wang, et al (2011), suggested that transformational leadership carries with it four distinct behaviors which are important to the development of its followers. The ability to inspire and motivate followers towards a shared vision, the ability to influence and model the behavior that articulates the vision, while intellectually stimulating their followers to challenge existing assumption. This is captured with the leader’s ability to focus on the need of their followers and to pay attention to each follower’s unique need thereby nurturing trust.

While this leadership style is important, it comes with a set of parameters that we need to be aware of which can result in managerial implications that are not profitable. Wang, “et al”, (2011) suggest, the following

• Transformational leadership tends to be a robust predictor of desirable performance outcomes across situations and as such organizations need to pay particular attention to intervention programs that enhance their managers’ leadership style
• While transformational leadership style is trainable, we need to pay attention to other attributes which can produce these leaders like, extraversion and emotional stability.
• Transformational leadership strives best in environments that support teamwork and collaboration among employees. (pg. 253-255).

Being aware of these parameters, I am cognizant that if we are going to achieve the level of performance we desire, we must be ready to invest in programs that will affect the quality of our leadership team. And also to look for persons who are naturally gifted – extraversion or emotional stable as transformational leadership can be taught. Final to find leaders who are team players.

Principles of Ethical Leadership

The word ethics has its roots in the Greek word ethos, which translates to “customs,” “conduct,” or “character.” (Northouse, 2019, pg. 336). In the leadership context, ethical leadership is more concerned about the leader’s moral position in knowing what is right from wrong. The leader is responsible to set the tone of the organization (Martin, 2018). As such Ethical theory provides us with a system of rules and principles which provides us with an outlook of how to be morally decent human beings. (Northouse, 2019).

Northouse (2019), provides us with five (5) ethical leadership principles which are all vital for discussion. They are, the respect for others, the ability to serve others, shows justice, manifests honesty and builds community. However, in the interest of time for this paper we will address two of the five and the significance they play within my life and development.

Firstly, the importance of serving others is paramount for me. It is not about the status or power or affluence. Maxwell (2017) indicates that the real power of leadership comes from what we can do with and for others (pg. 1). Maxwell (2018) cited is friend Zig Ziglar, who made the comment “if we will help other people get what they want first in life, they will help you get what you want in life”. We are all working toward our goals and trying to get people to support us on the journey, but we are encouraged to stop and take care of others before ourselves. I feel a sense of joy when I can lean in to help others to achieve their goals and values.  In ministry, this is what we are called to do. Matt. 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (NIV). I live by this to serve others above myself.

Secondly, respect for others. If we desire to lead people, then we must learn to respect them. This respect is encompassing as it looks on setting appropriate boundaries from which we are working, but also treating them in a manner that is supportive to their goals, and dream as opposed to a means to an end (Northouse,2019. Pg.346). This respect allows for the person to be themselves, with creative thoughts and ideas, wants and desires. So while it is suggested as being a complex ethic (Northouse 2019), as a leader in the ministry context, we add value to the lives of our follower by allowing them to feel competent about who they are and treat them as worthy human beings (pg. 347).

How do you feel when you think about adding value to the lives of others and why?

J. (2018, November 6). Rebuilding Ethics. Retrieved November 10, 2018, from https://create.twu.ca/myjourney/2018/11/06/rebuilding-ethics/

Maxwell, J. C. (2017). Power of Your Leadership: Making a Difference with Others. Hachette Nashville.

Maxwell, J. (2018, June 29). INFLUENCE Series Part 8 – A Minute with John Maxwell, Free Coaching Video. Retrieved November 9, 2018, from http://johnmaxwellteam.com/2018-influence-series-part-8?c=jmax-wp-bo&jmtc=mwm-word&jmta=mwm-word-influence-p8/

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

Wang, G., Oh, I., Courtright, S. H., & Colbert, A. E. (2011). Transformational Leadership and Performance Across Criteria and Levels: A Meta-Analytic Review of 25 Years of Research. Group & Organization Management, 36(2), 223-270. doi:10.1177/1059601111401017.