Good teams are not created quickly. They are built over time by leaders who dedicate serious time and effort to developing these individuals as professionals, as people and as a team. The outcome not only benefits the individual but the company, too
Transformational leaders are those who work together with a group of people to make a difference, and then leave a legacy of that change.
Are you looking to develop, inspire and motivate your employees? You might consider the transformational leadership theory, considered to be the most influential approach to management. The theory is defined as one that “transforms” and creates valuable, positive changes among team members.
The framework of transformational leadership consists of four main components.
Idealized Influence
The transformational leader will have a huge influence on the people around them. The three attributes of a leader who demonstrates idealized influence include a willingness to take risks, consistent behavior, and high levels of integrity and ethics. This person gains trust and respect through these actions. They are also considered to be in a place of power because of who they are rather than what position they hold. These leaders tend to “practice what they preach”. This behavior resonates with followers on an emotional level and they are influenced by the leader – viewed as a role model – to follow suit.
Example: Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi is a great example of a transformational leader because he led by example. His vision of leadership went beyond himself. Instead of a power grab, he remained sensitive to a higher purpose. He was humble – living in poor conditions just like millions of people in India. His leadership inspired his followers to give their best effort to make a difference.
Inspirational Motivation
A transformational leader should inspire the people around them – even when they are not physically present. The leader builds relationships with team members through interactive communication, and the promotion of a consistent vision, clear mission, and set of values to the team. This type of communication forms a cultural bond between participants and leads to a shifting of values by all parties toward common ground. The spirit of the team is energized and members feel challenged by their work.
Example: Martin Luther King Jr.
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr’s passionate struggle to end racism in the United States inspired millions of people. He encouraged the masses to join the civil rights movement. Through his leadership, he made it clear the movement was not just about him or others who were prominent, but about humanity.
Intellectual Stimulation
Transformational leaders stimulate team members to be as creative and innovative as possible in order to identify solutions to organizational problems. The leaders accomplish this by encouraging team members to reframe problems, challenge assumptions, and approach existing problems in new ways. Through intellectual stimulation, team members achieve higher levels of performance. Since the transformational leader is always demanding the best from the team, they constantly think of ways to make their leader happy.
Example: Steve Jobs
The late Steve Jobs’ passion for perfection, simplicity, and sophistication was (and still is) the hallmark of Apple. He constantly challenged his employees to think about the possibilities and create products the world didn’t even know it needed.
Individualized Consideration
Here the transformational leader acts as a coach or a mentor. The leader demonstrates genuine concern for the team but gives each person individualized attention to aide in their professional development. This is achieved through customized learning opportunities designed for each team member based on their unique goals. A transformational leader knows how to read people as well as motivate them. The personal attention brings out team members’ best efforts and also helps to develop each individual’s leadership potential.
Organizations facing a challenge or a change of direction can utilize a transformational leadership strategy to motivate and inspire teams to achieve a common set of goals. Implementing these programs can often be met with resistance. Finding a way to introduce this new style of leadership is critical.
Drum Cafe USA can be the catalyst for effecting change inside organizations and introducing new programs and ideas. Transformational drumming events can break down barriers like negative attitudes, poor communication, and resistance to cultural shifts.
Drumming is a universal expression that transcends all boundaries: personal, organizational or cultural. Set to the beat of a drum, interactive events from Drum Cafe USA can increase productivity and efficiency through better teamwork and interactive team building. The unifying experience creates the perfect platform for teams to experience the power of all working together to achieve a common objective.
To learn more about Drum Cafe USA’s programs that support corporate change and transformation leadership, click here.
