Leadership - not a big wooden vessel.

Leadership and leadership theories are a very interesting subject matter in my book; or should I say blog. I was recently asked what kind of leader I am. Now, its been a long time since my Psychology/Sociology undergrad days - and I couldn't seem to dust off the specifics of the various leadership types. One of my all time favorite classes was 'Group Dynamics', a soc class, and leadership was a primary subject of the course. So it deserves to be revisited.

There are numerous theories, styles, and various contexts that leadership is utilized and explored. And I'm pretty sure I could create an entire separate blog and devote it entirely to discussing leadership and group dynamics (hmmm..mayyyybe. Focus). So I'm going to just jump to the Leadership Theory that best describes me, and the type of leadership I want to focus on perfecting. For now.

Transformational Leadership

A person with this leadership style is a true leader who inspires his or her team with a shared vision of the future. Transformational leaders are highly visible, and spend a lot of time communicating. Their enthusiasm is often infectious. Transformational leaders look after initiatives that add value.

This is just a brief synopsis of the basics of a transformational leader. The following are more detailed traits and components that are critical to a TL (transformational leader).

The Components of Transformational Leadership

1. Intellectual Stimulation – Transformational leaders not only challenge the status quo; they also encourage creativity among followers. The leader encourages followers to explore new ways of doing things and new opportunities to learn.


2. Individualized Consideration – Transformational leadership also involves offering support and encouragement to individual followers. In order to foster supportive relationships, transformational leaders keep lines of communication open so that followers feel free to share ideas and so that leaders can offer direct recognition of each followers unique contributions.


3. Inspirational Motivation – Transformational leaders have a clear vision that they are able to articulate to followers. These leaders are also able to help followers experience the same passion and motivation to fulfill these goals.


4. Idealized Influence – The transformational leaders serves as a role model for followers. Because followers trust and respect the leader, they emulate the leader and internalize his or her ideals. -Kendra Cherry

Along with a transformational leadership style, I think in certain situations it can be helpful to adapt some democratic leadership characteristics as well. DL invites other members of the team to add to the decision-making process; which can add to job satisfaction through increased involvement and efficacy. As a result, employees are motivated to work hard for more than just their pay check. This style does need time to develop, and depending on the employees - it can take time to recruit employees to actively participate; however the quality of the work and teamwork will be better.




What is also important to remember when examining leadership styles, and what is ideal for you, we need to keep in mind the style that will work best for those who you are leading, as well as the environment that you are leading in. We are all leaders throughout our lives; whether you are given a leadership title or not. So, whatever leadership style you are, make it yours.