Are you a transactional or transformational leader?
Transactional leaders focus on routine tasks. They are all about getting the
job done on a day-to-day basis. Their goal is to maintain an organization that’s consistent and
dependable. They measure success based
on meeting standards and being efficient.
Transformational leaders on the other hand, focus on moving
their organization forward. They constantly are challenging the status quo,
looking for new ideas, new opportunities and new ways of doing things. They
work to create a culture that nurtures innovation, creativity and change.
Transformational leaders typically exhibit four key
characteristics The transformational leader is more often than not charismatic. They have a vision and sense
of mission that excites others. Their charisma and future orientation also make
transformational leaders very inspiring.
These leaders provide those they lead with intellectual
stimulation. They also tend to offer
their staff a great deal of individualized
attention.
How do transformational leaders create transformation in
their organizations? Research has identified common strategies employed by
these leaders to help drive innovation. They include:
1
- Helping people look beyond self interest
2
- Helping people search for self-fulfillment
3 -
Helping people understand the need for change
4
- Creating a sense of urgency in people
5
- Committing to greatness
- Adopting a broad, long term perspective
