transformational leader

What is a Transformational Leader?

I have a confession - I have never watched Ted Lasso, but I know a transformational leader when I see one (I’ve seen clips, okay?)

Transformational leadership is a style of managing that emphasizes motivation, encouragement, inspiration and guidance. A transformational leader is one who leads by example while implementing workplace systems that support employee growth, well-being and morale. Just like Ted, you’re the type who sees the bigger picture, who rethinks the way the organization (even if that organization is just you right now!) thinks and sees things. It’s the ability to get your team’s buy-in.

The transformational leader motivates their direct reports from within by setting examples for them, which means that the leader must perform their role so well that the employees trust their abilities. The leader provides their players with a clear vision of the future, and they think of their leader as a role model.

In other words, as a transformational leader, you’re involved. You’re not hands off. You’re there to stir the hearts and minds of your peeps. Your approach focuses on applying skills like empathy, teamwork, flexibility and creativity to inspire your team to achieve company goals (like winning games).

Transformational leaders put in the effort to change the way their team sees and performs their jobs. They make it something they would look forward to every day. If you have ever had the pleasure of working under this type of leader, you know that work can sometimes feel less…worky.

Leaders like Ted (and you) don’t shy away from making tough calls, and demonstrate integrity, thoughtfulness, and care, while inspiring your team to do the same. You aren’t afraid of other people’s points-of-view…in fact, you invite it.

The one key component to being the master of the pitch, so to speak, is communication. LOTS of it. Without it, the team can crumble.

Pros

  • Supports open and honest communication

  • Empowers people to reach new levels of personal development

  • Fosters a sense of responsibility in participants

  • Allows for innovation and creativity

  • Builds a culture of mutual trust

  • Improves loyalty and reduces turnover rates

  • Creates a supporting work environment that breeds higher satisfaction, morale, and motivation

  • Give team members autonomy as well as breathing room to think outside the box

  • Ability to connect vision and values

Cons

  • The emphasis on production, working hard to achieve goals and increased sense of ownership can burn out team members

  • Decision-making can be slower, as it tends to be team-based

  • May create a culture of competition that undermines team goals if people work against rather than with each other

  • Can sacrifice short-term goals for long-term vision

  • Increased risk-taking can be disruptive

  • Requires continuous and consistent communication, which can slow things down, or reduce influence on team members

  • Continual change and shifting can be disruptive to the business, especially if it struggles to keep up

elevating your leadership

This style of leadership is powerful and can be a great agent for change. It’s a modern technique that engages and motivates workers. It differs from traditional leadership styles as it does not micromanage or push employees beyond their capabilities. Transformational leaders have the power to take teams to brand new heights – but there is also always the possibility for things to head in the opposite direction.

Here are a few ways you can elevate your Transformational leadership style so that it doesn’t hamper you or your team members:

  • Minimize risk where you can. Some risk can be good, but playing fast and loose with goals and your team’s health can backfire

  • Ambition can be powerful, but if you’re putting too much on your team, they will burnout and move the needle back. Monitor feedback and metrics and pull back (or get additional resources) when needed

  • Ensure that you’re tending to your part - if your team senses or perceives that you’re not living up to your own standards, they will not be as motivated to work towards the goals

  • Return to winnable, short-term goals to give your team a sense of accomplishment if you feel they are flagging with long-term, big goals

  • Ensure that you’re not overestimating some of your team member’s abilities - sometimes Transformational leaders ask too much of those who simply don’t have the chops or mindset to tackle what is asked of them

Lastly, because this a motivational-based style, you need to be on YOUR own game at all times. It requires you to be at your best, and walking the walk. If there is any sort of disconnect between what you say and what you do, your team will pick up on it immediately. So it’s key that you’re doing your part to tend to your own energy and mindset.

And of course, if you need support, guidance, mentorship, or just a space to brainstorm to help build your leadership acumen, you can find out how to work with me by smashing the button below. I offer many ways to help you create the leadership you desire to make the impact you know you can make in your life.

Or, you can join THE SPARK: IGNITING NEXT LEVEL LEADERSHIP - a community of all levels of leadership - where you will get tools, peer support and techniques that you can use to shift your thinking and abilities so that you can help grow yourself, your team(s) and your business. It’s for folks like you - fired up, future-forward, and ferocious in your desire to be a stronger and more powerful leader. Click below to join for FREE!