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Transformational leadership: what is it and how to apply it to teams?

Transformational leadership: what is it and how to apply it to teams?

March 3, 2024

Transformational leadership is a new milestone when managing teams and establishing work dynamics in which everyone wins. Transformational leaders are those who directly affect the changes that take place in society, have an exceptional charisma and care to remain faithful to their followers.

As the word "trans" indicates, it is a change of vision, perspective and attitude about others that a person with leadership exercises. Some of the most important values ​​of this model are Honesty, altruism or ethics .

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What are the basic principles of this model?

The transformational leadership has emerged as a representative of "the culture of change", starting from the precept of wanting to eliminate individualistic egoism, overcoming its limitations and walk towards the collective good .


A group, institution, work team or any entity with more than 3 people members, is directed so that its members develop and strengthen their ability to solve problems collectively.

In this way, it is always expected that the members of the group perform above expectations, exceeding the expectations set fruit of high motivation that the transformational leader transmits to them.

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7 essential characteristics of transformational leadership

In this section we will analyze the main points to implement the model based on transformational leadership.


1. Motivational spirit

Taking into account the values ​​that make up the transformational leader, which are creativity, morals, ethics and enthusiasm, the whole set provokes a degree of motivation in his followers that other models do not achieve.

Transform group members because the model is closely related to human development , participation and, above all, the self-esteem of the workers, which will be more efficient when cooperating with each other.

2. The charisma

The transformational leadership needs leaders with high doses of charisma , above the professional qualities, and encourages this attitude towards others having an exemplary behavior.

This type of feature it is given by respect and trust that the transformational leaders are won over time, allowing to create a direct impact on the rest of the members becoming role models.


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3. Emotional bonds are generated

In a moment of fierce competition, professional demands and work stress, the transformational model allows a closer environment and greater affectivity . Its leaders are constantly responsible for addressing the needs and concerns at the individual level of each member of the group.

4. Cooperativity and help are accentuated

In these group dynamics the leadership imparted can also demand some "extra" responsibility to the leader, as directly address the majority of proposals and suggestions by their subordinates , thus forming a horizontal participatory scale.

It should be remembered that A good leader is not one who gives orders and dictates rules , but the one that is implied with its members in all the aspects of the organization, assuming responsibilities when the situation demands it.

5. Domino effect

Due to the nature and dynamics of the model, the followers or members of the team end up adopting the figure of the transformational leader. Being actively involved in all kinds of decisions When the moment demands it, the workers themselves will take the role of leader in their absence.

This is, that on special occasions the leader he has to learn to delegate with the rest of companions so as not to interrupt the progression of the collective.

6. Interactivity and corporatism

Organizations that adopt transformational leadership usually work in a dynamic environment. The leader is committed to keeping his workers up to date with the training, updating and development of new technologies .

The more members of the group see that the company or institution cares for them, most involved and dedicated will be with the firm .

7. Increase creativity

Fruit of the participation and protagonism of the members of the group, the transformational leaders encourage creativity by exposing new ideas by the members of the group.

The leader does not have to be the only responsible nor maximum authority at the time of presenting solutions or ways of doing before a new challenge. You have to have a future perspective to apply the best methods, leaving conventional leadership behind.

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There are exceptional cases

Being this an ideal "archetype" for future generations, it is not entirely perfect. We must be very careful with knowing where and in what work environment we must give way to the transformational model of leadership.

For example, in a company or organization where the work dynamics are stable, linear and whose activities or tasks are rather little changed, it is advisable to apply a slightly more classic model, like the transactional one , since the members enjoy a certain status, are experts in their field and have self-control.

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How To Use Transformational Leadership to Inspire And Motivate Your Team | Dan Martell (March 2024).


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