Transformational leadership is a leadership theory in which a leader's behaviors influence their followers, inspiring them to perform beyond their perceived capabilities.
This style of leadership encourages individuals to achieve unexpected or remarkable results by prioritizing their collective vision over their immediate self-interests. Transformational leaders collaborate with their followers or teams to identify changes and create a vision that guides these changes through influence and inspiration. The transformation process is carried out with the active involvement of committed group members, who align their efforts with both organizational goals and their personal interests.
As a result, followers' ideals, maturity, and commitment to achievement increase. The approach fosters positive changes in both the attitudes of followers and to the overall organization. Transformation leaders also help followers connect their personal values to the overall mission of the organization to foster a sense of shared purpose.
Transformational leadership enhances followers' motivation, morale, and job performance through various mechanisms. They serve as role models by inspiring their followers and raising their interest in their projects. These leaders challenge followers to take greater ownership of their work. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of followers, transformational leaders can assign tasks that their followers align with to enhance their performance.
Transformational leadership can be practiced but is efficient when it is authentic to an individual. Transformational leaders focus on how decision-making benefits their organization and the community rather than their personal gains. Followers of transformational leaders exert extra effort to support the leader, emulate the leader to emotionally identify with them, and maintain obedience without losing self-esteem. This strong emotional connection not only fosters greater commitment to organizational goals but also ensure followers maintain a sense of self-worth and personal integrity.
