“Transformational leadership is a process that changes and transforms people. It is concerned with emotions, values, ethics, standard, and long-term goals.” (Northouse, 2017,P 161).
There are several real-world leaders who may be considered to be transformational leaders. An example of a transformational leader, whom I find quite inspirational is Mother Teresa. Because of the effective transformational leadership qualities that she exhibited, her spirit is immortal. “Due to her exemplary self-sacrificial leadership style, Mother Teresa’s followers perceived her as charismatic.” (Youssef, 2004, P 4). “Her charisma was in the eyes of her beholders, and in her cause, rather than just in her own personal attractiveness.” (Youssef, 2004, P 4). Northouse, states that “effective leaders create compelling visions that can guide people’s behaviour. (Northouse, 2017). Mother Teresa had a strong vision that she was not afraid to share with the world. (Youssef, 2004).
Another example of a transformational leader is the Dalai Lama. “Charisma is, in the general meaning of the word, what enables the person who possesses it to inspire devotion or enthusiasm, and hence wield authority upon a group. Dalai Lama has been gifted with charisma.” (Bentz, 2012, P 12). Northouse, 2017, suggests that charisma is an essential component of transformational leadership. (Northouse, 2017).
I have learned more about other transformational leaders in other assignments in this course. For example, in my Follow the Leader assignment, I chose to follow Michelle Obama. I believe that Barack and Michelle Obama are both transformational leaders. Northouse 2017, suggests that transformational leaders “place a strong emphasis on follower’s needs, values, and morals.” (Northouse, 2017, P 177). The Obama’s did exactly that.
I have also discussed Franklin D. Roosevelt who was also a transformational leader. “He gave the people ….words of heartening faith and courage…”(Watson, 2017, P130). The people of The United Stated trusted Roosevelt, which Northouse states is a strength of transformational leaders. (Northouse, 2017).
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References
Benta, A.S. (2012) Symbol and power: the Dalai Lama as a charismatic leader, Nations and Nationalism 18 (2), 2012, 287–305.
Burns, J. M. (1978) Leadership. New York: Harper & Row.
Jensen, J.M. (2014) The Effects of Active Constructive and Passive Corrective Leadership on Workplace Incivility and the Mediating Role of Fairness Perceptions Volume 39. Issue 4 pp. 416-443
Youssef, Carolyn M. “Mother Teresa (1910–1997).” Encyclopedia of Leadership. Ed. . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2004. 1033-37. SAGE Reference Online. Web. 30 Jan. 2012.
Northouse, P. (2017). Leadership: Theory and Practice.
Watson, L.E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York: Simon and Schuster.
Sadie,
Some great examples of transformational leaders. You also highlight an important aspect of this type of leadership — that the charisma lies not only in the individual, but also in the cause.
Valencia College in Orlando, FL is the home to several transformation leaders — and a compelling cause that has garnered national attention for several decades. This article highlights the power of “big ideas” (aka, a “cause with charisma”) in inspiring people at all levels of the organization to work harder and achieve great things than most think possible.
— Leadership Prof
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/10/how-a-community-colleges-big-ideas-are-transforming-education/429057/
That is an interesting read and it shows that strong leadership can produce positive results! Thanks for the comments and the article.
-Sadie