Transformational Leadership © David Ferrers - Click on image to view full size

A Transformational Leader takes control of situations by communicating an inspirational vision and demonstrating an energetic passion for the work. Such leaders have an ability to make teams feel charged-up and energised.

Transformational leadership is a leadership style that generates positive changes in those who follow. Transformational leaders are noticeably energetic, enthusiastic and passionate. They are concerned and involved in helping every member of the group to succeed and they communicate their passion.

Through the clarity and strength of their vision and the sheer power of personality, transformational leaders inspire followers to change expectations, perceptions and motivations so that the whole group work towards common goals.

Researcher Bernard M. Bass suggested that transformational leadership can be defined by the impact that it has on followers in terms of trust, respect and admiration.

Let’s look at some examples of transformational leadership in action:

Steve Jobs of Apple Computers – when he resigned from Apple in 1985 the company rolled slowly downhill until his return in 1997. It was his innate understanding of the crucial role aesthetics play in public appeal that turned the company around and led to the development of products that are functional, elegant and highly prized.

His single-minded, charismatic vision, outstanding presentation skills and dynamic energy drive the company to innovate world class products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone and now the iPad.

Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Group – of course he is the ultimate deal maker, but his transformational leadership qualities are his extraordinary ability to connect to people. His charisma surrounds him like a halo and it is this quality that has allowed him to spawn such a wide diversity of products under the Virgin brand.

Few businessmen are more adept at creating publicity for their companies than the founder of the Virgin Group. This dynamic communication skill keeps the Virgin name in the forefront of the public mind.

Margaret Thatcher – her power came from a vision of Britain as a free enterprise zone. This led her into conflict with the Trades Unions and the European Community but the Lady was not for turning.

Her vision, energy and iron will coupled to the desire to grant greater independence to the individual from government interference, released the entrepreneurial drive of thousands of small business ventures. It laid the foundations upon which a much more enterprising and prosperous Britain rose from the ashes of stagnation.

Stuart Rose – when he took over the ailing Marks and Spencer empire many commentators thought it a poisoned chalice. But Sir Stuart used a transformational vision of “clean, airy stores, stocked with good quality merchandise” to elevate “Marks and Sparks” back to it’s status as middle-England’s favourite clothing store.

Sir Stuart is a notable communicator who never misses an opportunity to broadcast his views to a wide variety of audiences.

The success of his transformation strategy is visible in both the stores and the performance of his empire.

You Too Can Be a Transformational Leader

Transformational success stories like the few outlined on this page do not come about by accident. They are the result of determined leaders having charismatic visions and communicating those visions inspirationally to electrify the performance of their teams.

If you are leading in a situation that needs to be transformed and want to switch on “the current that inspires and energises the thoughts, ideas and actions of your people to elevate their performance,” please contact me today or freephone 0800 195 1989.

Best wishes,

“Transformational Leadership is the ability to create and transmit a charismatic vision that runs through an organisation like an electric current, inspiring and energising the thoughts, ideas and actions of the people to elevate their performance.”

© David Ferrers