Out of all the leadership styles that can be seen in the modern business world, transformational leadership is one main leadership style. This leadership style is known as a healthy one for both employee and organization. In this article, a few key characteristics of transformational leadership will be identified.
01. Vision Oriented
The main characteristic that can be identified in a transformational leader is the strong vision they have. He knows exactly what he wants to be in the future and always makes plans to reach that vision. The transformational leader’s plan to reach the vision is not alone but includes his followers also. He clearly communicates the vision to his followers and motivates the followers to drive the organization towards the mission. He creates short term goals to measure success and as a motivational method for subordinates.
02. Flexible
The transformational leader is well aware of the changes in the modern business environment. Since the business world is changing, he has to change the goals and strategies to survive in the world. Transformational leadership includes realizing the rapid changes in the business environment and adjust the organization’s goals and strategies accordingly to survive the competition and gain a competitive advantage. This characteristic of flexibility is necessary for any organizational growth.
03. Innovation friendly
Another main characteristic of transformational leadership is a positive attitude towards innovative ideas. The transformational leader always encourages innovation and creativity. He believes that innovation is one opportunity for the employees to identify their potential and use the potential for personal growth as well as organizational growth. Under transformational leadership, creative ideas are appreciated and the best ones are implemented to increase the productivity of the production process.
04. Distribution of responsibilities
The transformational leader does not like to keep a centralized authority. He distributes the responsibilities to his subordinates and expects them to be accountable for their activities. The leader monitors them and guides them when necessary to make sure the smooth and correct flow of business. Through the distribution of responsibilities, the transformational leader expects to grow the personality and the commitment as well as to motivate the employees by making them feel important to the organization.
05. Employee Development
The transformational leader is always concerned about the development of the employees who work under him. He helps the employees to develop their industry knowledge by arranging training sessions and knowledge sharing sessions. Apart from that, he encourages employees to maintain work-life balance and spend reasonable time with their family and the loved ones away from work.
Transformational leader willingly provides rewards and incentives to encourage employees to perform better. Rewards programs and incentive schemes encourage employees to achieve their targets, perform better and to create a healthy competition between employees.
06. Risk-taker
Taking risky decisions is a major part of transformational leadership. Transformational leaders are not hesitant to take risky decisions when necessary for the betterment of the organization. They analyze the situation and take decisions based on their experience and future goals.
Apart from the above mentioned main characteristics, the transformational leaders always inspire the subordinates to achieve the organizational vision. They excel self-management skills as it is necessary to set an example for the subordinates who follow the leader. Transformational leaders are adaptable to the changing business environment and they are willing to change with the environment.
Transformational leadership is about concentrating on both employee and organizational growth and helping to create future leaderships through motivation and encouragement. Transformational leadership can be considered as one of the most popular leadership styles in the modern business world due to this reason. This leadership style is best for organizations that encourage employee empowerment and success through change.