Transformational Leader – How to Become One?

Transformational Leadership is described to be a kind of leadership aiming to develop team members to be their kind of leaders someday. The leader starts by identifying what needs to be changed then moves to start enacting that change through inspiring the members to share the vision.

Fostering this kind of leadership can be very beneficial to companies because it does not only create the next generation of leaders, it also increases their loyalty thus resulting in a lower turn-over rate.

But how does one become a transformational leader? Some managers might confuse themselves as being a transformational leader merely because they are leading the team and their team is productive. But is it transformational leadership?

1.   Consider your members

One of the common mistakes committed by managers is standardizing their team members. A transformational leader looks into their team members individually, identifying their strengths and weaknesses.

Transformational leaders further strengthen their good points and work in improving their weaknesses. S/he will also assign tasks based on the individual’s talents and interests but continue to challenge them beyond their comfort zones                                          

With the individualized approach, the transformational leader will be able to embrace diversity in their teams, allowing individual team members to grow as themselves.

2.   Encourage Creativity

Leaders have to be great listeners.  Transformational leaders their team members to think outside the box and listen even to their craziest ideas.

They foster innovation by allowing their team members to challenge standards and norms.

They do not feel threatened when their team asks questions. Instead, they reward independent thinking and even supports and provide resources if it is leading to real change.

They see mistakes as learning opportunities and not as something they can throw at you when things don’t go well.

Transformational leaders allow you to be yourself, gives you space to commit mistakes and is by your side when they know you are doing the right thing.

3.   Inspire

Leaders are not leaders because they got the loyalty of their members through fear. Leaders are those who guide their team members, motivate them to do better and inspire them to be a better version of themselves.

As a transformational leader, you have to encourage your team to become better. You have to set a direction and lead them that way. And when they journey to that direction, you have to make sure that you are side by side with them.

To encourage your team to be more productive, you have to continually inspire them by engaging them in their talents, rekindling their spirit and acknowledging their successes.

4.   Be a Good Example

Bear in mind that your people look up to you. You cannot tell them not to be late for just a minute when you come to work five minutes late. Do you expect them to follow you when you didn’t set a good example?

A transformational leader leads by example. Leading by example does not mean showing them that you are perfect, it’s teaching them that you are more than your imperfections.

Leading by example does not mean being in your ivory tower, too high to reach because you’re all knowing and perfect.

Leading by example goes beyond perfection. It’s about being humane, humble, kind and passionate.

As a team member, having a transformational leader can greatly inspire you to be the best version of yourself. It encourages you to take the extra mile and to do things voluntarily.

They inspire you to give positive contributions to the company.

As a transformational leader, there’s no greater reward than seeing your people become transformational leaders just like you.