jFico89
12-11-2011, 07:04 PM
As I was studying for my political science final, I came across a cool and relevant theory that was developed in the late 1970's. Political Scientists James MacGregor Burns and Bernard Bass developed a theory that there are two main types of leadership: Transactional and Transformational.
Transactional Leadership is the norm in Politics - "This person is interested in looking out for oneself, having exchange benefits with their subordinates and clarify a sense of duty with rewards and punishments to reach goals. These leaders give clear instructions to followers about what their expectations are (votes, financial support) and when those expectations are fulfilled there are rewards in store for their supporters (Special Benefits, protection from the tuhrrrists, bailouts, etc)" This type of leader has the "if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" mentality.
Despite the abundance of this type of leadership, every so often a very different type of leader emerges: The Transformational Leader. These leaders do not come about often, but when they do, they transform society as Gandhi and Martin Luther King did. I was amazed when I read the definition of the Transformational Leader, as it is a perfect description of Dr. Paul and his devoted supporters.
The Four Elements of Transformational Leadership
1. Individualized Consideration – the degree to which the leader attends to each follower's needs, acts as a mentor or coach to the follower and listens to the follower's concerns and needs. The leader gives empathy and support, keeps communication open and places challenges before the followers. This also encompasses the need for respect and celebrates the individual contribution that each follower can make to the team. The followers have a will and aspirations for self development and have intrinsic motivation for their tasks.
2. Intellectual Stimulation – the degree to which the leader challenges assumptions, takes risks and solicits followers' ideas. Leaders with this style stimulate and encourage creativity in their followers. The followers ask questions, think deeply about things and figure out better ways to execute their tasks.
3. Inspirational Motivation – the degree to which the leader articulates a vision that is appealing and inspiring to followers. Leaders with inspirational motivation challenge followers with high standards, communicate optimism about future goals, and provide meaning for the task at hand. Followers need to have a strong sense of purpose if they are to be motivated to act. Purpose and meaning provide the energy that drives a group forward. The visionary aspects of leadership are supported by communication skills that make the vision understandable, precise, powerful and engaging. The followers are willing to invest more effort in their tasks, they are encouraged and optimistic about the future and believe in their abilities.
4. Idealized Influence – Is a role model for high ethical behavior, instills pride, gains respect and trust.(lol Newt)
"Enacted in its authentic form, transformational leadership enhances the motivation, morale and performance of followers through a variety of mechanisms. These include connecting the follower's sense of identity and self to the mission and the collective identity of the organization; being a role model for followers that inspires them, and challenging followers to take greater ownership for their work."
Despite the hard economic times, the perpetual wars, and the erosion of our civil liberties, I feel so blessed and thankful to be able to witness and support a true Transformational Leader.
-Fico
Transactional Leadership is the norm in Politics - "This person is interested in looking out for oneself, having exchange benefits with their subordinates and clarify a sense of duty with rewards and punishments to reach goals. These leaders give clear instructions to followers about what their expectations are (votes, financial support) and when those expectations are fulfilled there are rewards in store for their supporters (Special Benefits, protection from the tuhrrrists, bailouts, etc)" This type of leader has the "if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" mentality.
Despite the abundance of this type of leadership, every so often a very different type of leader emerges: The Transformational Leader. These leaders do not come about often, but when they do, they transform society as Gandhi and Martin Luther King did. I was amazed when I read the definition of the Transformational Leader, as it is a perfect description of Dr. Paul and his devoted supporters.
The Four Elements of Transformational Leadership
1. Individualized Consideration – the degree to which the leader attends to each follower's needs, acts as a mentor or coach to the follower and listens to the follower's concerns and needs. The leader gives empathy and support, keeps communication open and places challenges before the followers. This also encompasses the need for respect and celebrates the individual contribution that each follower can make to the team. The followers have a will and aspirations for self development and have intrinsic motivation for their tasks.
2. Intellectual Stimulation – the degree to which the leader challenges assumptions, takes risks and solicits followers' ideas. Leaders with this style stimulate and encourage creativity in their followers. The followers ask questions, think deeply about things and figure out better ways to execute their tasks.
3. Inspirational Motivation – the degree to which the leader articulates a vision that is appealing and inspiring to followers. Leaders with inspirational motivation challenge followers with high standards, communicate optimism about future goals, and provide meaning for the task at hand. Followers need to have a strong sense of purpose if they are to be motivated to act. Purpose and meaning provide the energy that drives a group forward. The visionary aspects of leadership are supported by communication skills that make the vision understandable, precise, powerful and engaging. The followers are willing to invest more effort in their tasks, they are encouraged and optimistic about the future and believe in their abilities.
4. Idealized Influence – Is a role model for high ethical behavior, instills pride, gains respect and trust.(lol Newt)
"Enacted in its authentic form, transformational leadership enhances the motivation, morale and performance of followers through a variety of mechanisms. These include connecting the follower's sense of identity and self to the mission and the collective identity of the organization; being a role model for followers that inspires them, and challenging followers to take greater ownership for their work."
Despite the hard economic times, the perpetual wars, and the erosion of our civil liberties, I feel so blessed and thankful to be able to witness and support a true Transformational Leader.
-Fico