Transformational leadership is a highly effective style of leadership. It involves the ability leaders to inspire followers to want to make positive changes in themselves and in the organization as a whole. They have a unique ability to connect their vision and goals with those of the group to achieve their desired results and promote unity amongst the team. Transformational leaders are enthusiastic, high in energy, and passionate about what they do so their teams are inspired to follow their lead.

The Four Elements of Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership is composed of four elements:

• Individualized Consideration: Transformational leaders shows real concern for the needs of their followers, offering support and becoming their advocate. He recognizes his followers' input and achievements, has an open door policy, provides personal encouragement.
• Idealized Influence: A transformational leader is the ideal role model. She is trusted and admired by her followers and makes them want to follow her.
• Intellectual Stimulation: A transformational leader challenges followers to grow creatively and look for innovative ways to approach and solve problems.
• Inspirational Motivation: Transformational leaders are adept at communicating their vision to followers. They have the natural ability to inspire followers to want to realize their vision.

Qualities of a Transformational Leader

Transformational leadership requires a leader to possess certain key qualities, including:

• Being able to inspire and motivate her team to improve both personally and professionally.
• Only asking followers to perform tasks that she would be willing and able to do herself.
• Encouraging followers to use the same basic methods of thinking when tackling problems.
• Being able to clearly communicate her values, vision, missions, and goals.
• Exuding positive energy and enthusiasm.
• Being attuned to the needs and frustrations of her followers.
• Understanding that the key to success is team creativity.

Benefits of Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership provides many distinct advantages:

• Motivation: Followers are motivated and naturally inspired to follow their leader. They strive to be more productive and meet the company goals as a group, rather than just individually.
• Planning: Transformational leaders don't just focus on their employees. They look at the broad scope of a company's past, present, and future, and devise strategies to boost performance—such as improving rewards programs and offering more effective training.
• Retention: When employees are satisfied with their leader, they want to stay and continue to grow with an organization. A transformational leader focuses on all contributors, and makes sure employees are satisfied with their roles. Creating a strong personal bond and demonstrating belief and confidence in her employees reduces turnover.
• Growth: Transformational leadership focuses on the growth of a company. When a leader doesn't care about the growth of her company, the business ultimately suffers. A laser-focus on achieving sustained growth is what inspires and motivates a leader to get the most out of herself and her team.

It's important to remember that transformational leadership can be taught and learned. If you want to become a better leader, consider hiring an executive coaching company that specializes in developing transformative leaders.