Discussion: Transformational Leadership

Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders motivate and inspire followers to work towards attaining the purpose and vision of an organization, thus helping them reach their potential (Northouse, 2021). One such leader is Gary Kelly, the current Chairman and former chief executive officer of Southwest Airlines. Kelly takes care of employees first as he understands that they are the organization’s greatest strength. He is said to give weekly shout out to workers who exhibit excellent customer service to reinforce their purpose (Nicas, & Carey, 2014).

Kelly has redefined the purpose and vision of the company to motivate employees to serve customers better and shape the success of the air carrier. During the coronavirus pandemic, Kelly took a salary cut to avert worker furloughs, an act where he demonstrated selfless leadership and putting the interests of employees first (Nicas, & Carey, 2014).

Anyone can become a transformational leader if they reflect on their mindset and attitudes. They need to idealize influence and inspire high standards while seeking to serve as a role model for exemplary professional practice. One could model behavior that inspires and motivates employees to be better at what they do. They should also refrain from micromanaging and instead provide workers with the freedom to accomplish objectives. Leaders could help with coaching and mentoring while pushing workers gently out of their comfort zone if they are to become transformational (Northouse, 2021).

It is, however, impossible for a destructive leader to also be a transformational leader. Destructive leaders are toxic and are motivates by personal ambition, something that makes them lack self-awareness (O’Reilly, & Chatman, 2020). Destructive leaders deprive workers of morale and impair their performance. They lead in a dictatorial way, alienating workers, thus occasioning high staff turnover, which is opposite of what transformational leaders do.

Conclusion

Transformational leaders inspire and encourage their team members while at the same time demonstrating high standards. They are selfless, seek to mentor, and appreciate the efforts of their followers. Anyone can become a transformational leader, although destructive leaders cannot be transformational leaders.

References

Nicas, J., & Carey, S. (2014). Southwest Airlines, once a brassy upstart, is showing its age. Wall Street Journal (April 1) D1–D3.

Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). Sage Publications.

O’Reilly, C. A., & Chatman, J. A. (2020). Transformational leader or narcissist? How grandiose narcissists can create and destroy organizations and institutions. California Management Review, 62(3), 5-27.