10 Essential Qualities of Transformational Leaders

Passionate, energetic, enthusiastic, genuine — these are some of the terms used to describe transformational leaders. These leaders are focused on helping not only the group achieve its goals but also each team member.

Learn to be a transformational leader by implementing the following into your daily life:

   Understand your leadership style

Your strengths and weaknesses distinguish your style of leadership. You need to know what you are good at and where need some improvement. You can find out by taking a leadership style quiz.

This test will help you identify the major facets of your leadership style and assess if they are hindering or advancing your leadership role.

   Encourage creativity

A transformation leader knows how to stimulate the intellect of their followers. They encourage them to express their ideas, to be creative and innovative. They will not only provide their followers with new challenges but will be available to offer them guidance and support to overcome these challenges and achieve their goals.

You should make sure that the goals are realistic and attainable while still stretching the limits of each person without becoming a barrier to success.

   You are a role model

Transformational leadership is about becoming an influential individual that the rest look up to. Those in leadership positions should exemplify what they advocate for through their character and behavior.

It is from seeing such traits that the group members will strive to emulate what they admire about their leaders. To become a transformation leader, you will need to mold within you the qualities you want to see in your team members.

   Be Passionate

It is hard to go to someone for guidance if that person does not care about the goals of the group or its members. A great leader should not only focus on completing tasks but should also show a passion for the work in general.

Show that you care about the group’s progress and appreciate everyone’s contributions. Setting goals can help with this.

   Listen and communicate effectively

Transformational leadership strives to establish effective communication within the group at a collective and individualized level. Show that you care about what each member has to say. And, remember to express it verbally and nonverbally.

You should also make sure that all channels of communication stay open. You want you your followers’ voice to be heard and their contributions and achievements to be recognized and valued.

   Have a positive attitude

Your position demands that you be an upbeat individual with an optimistic attitude. This way you can be a source of inspiration for others. If leaders come across as apathetic and negative, they will not be able to inspire anything.

As their leader, you should strive to uplift your group when they start feeling discouraged. Stay positive and let it be known. It will help them become upbeat and hopeful even as they face challenges.

   Encourage people to participate actively

Let your group know that everyone is welcome to express their opinions and ideas. Show that you advocate for democracy and for each member of the team to be active.

But even then, the leader should make it known that he or she has the last say.

   Motivate your followers

Transformation leadership focuses on offering inspirational motivation by encouraging group members to be active. The good thing is that you can do more than give motivational speeches when trying to motivate your followers.

Be passionate about receiving ideas and genuine when setting goals. It will help your group members feel like part of the decision process. You will achieve this by recognizing people inputs and at times rewarding their accomplishments.

   Offer rewards and recognition

As a transformational leader, you should know how to give recognition to your followers’ contributions and reward their accomplishments. It helps to make them feel valued and appreciated, and this makes them strive to be productive.

By offering guidance, leaders encourage their group members to feel happier, and this goes a long way into making the team successful.

   Keep trying new things

Great leadership is not founded on establishing a one-way relationship. As a leader, you also need to get feedback from your group.

Strive to try new things and take suggestions even as you make the most of what has worked in the past.