Transformational leadership is a

type of leadership style that leads to positive changes in those who follow. Transformational leaders are generally energetic, enthusiastic and passionate. Not only are these leaders concerned and involved in the process; they are also focused on helping every member of the group succeed as well.

The History of Transformational Leadership

The concept of transformational leadership was initially introduced by leadership expert and presidential biographer James MacGregor Burns. According to Burns, transformational leadership can be seen when "leaders and followers make each other to advance to a higher level of moral and motivation." Through the strength of their vision and personality, transformational leaders are able to inspire followers to change expectations, perceptions and motivations to work towards common goals. Later, researcher Bernard M. Bass expanded upon Burns original ideas to develop what is today referred to as Bass Transformational Leadership Theory. According to Bass, transformational leadership can be defined based on the impact that it has on followers. Transformational leaders, Bass suggested, garner trust, respect and admiration from their followers.

The Components of Transformational Leadership

Bass also suggested that there were four different components of transformational leadership. 1. Intellectual Stimulation Transformational leaders not only challenge the status quo; they also encourage creativity among followers. The leader encourages followers to explore new ways of doing things and new opportunities to learn.

2. Individualized Consideration Transformational leadership also involves offering support and encouragement to individual followers. In order to foster supportive relationships, transformational leaders keep lines of communication open so that followers feel free to share ideas

and so that leaders can offer direct recognition of each followers unique contributions. 3. Inspirational Motivation Transformational leaders have a clear vision that they are able to articulate to followers. These leaders are also able to help followers experience the same passion and motivation to fulfill these goals. 4. Idealized Influence The transformational leader serves as a role model for followers. Because followers trust and respect the leader, they emulate this individual and internalize his or her ideals.

Impacts of Transformational Leadership

Individual Growth and Development
Transformational leadership impacts individuals' self-growth. Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs places self-actualization at the top of the needs pyramid and defines it as a person's full realization of his potential. Transformational leadership helps transform members of a group into individuals who transcend beyond self-actualization and their own selfinterests for the sake of the group or organization. Along with this includes individual moral development. Transformational leaders commit themselves to selfless ideals and align their personal principles and values with that of the organization, group or even society. The leader nurtures his followers' moral development to internalize these same values and principles.

Increases Performance
Transformational leadership develops followers who can perform beyond their own and others' expectations. Researchers who study and organizations that utilize transformational leaders frequently confirm this outcome. A 2002 article by TalyDvir and others published in the "Academy of Management Journal" examined the effects of platoon leaders, in a military basic training setting, exhibiting transformational leadership on cadets' performance. The researchers found that the experimental cadets -- those under the leadership of the transformational platoon leaders -- outperformed control cadets in every area, including weapons testing and obstacle courses.

Organizational Development and Change

The impact of transformational leadership reaches every level of an organization. At the team level, you can find members that care, stimulate, inspire and motivate each other. Bass and colleagues, in their 1978 paper in "Group and Organization Studies," termed the effect that transformational leadership has throughout an organization as the "falling dominoes effect." Upper-level transformational leaders set an organization's direction and vision, influencing how lower levels of an organization operate. Transformational leadership can also help a company meet new challenges, such as during a company's reorganization, strategic redirection or downsizing.

Wide Application
Transformational leadership can be applied to a variety of settings. According to Bass in his 1999 article published in the "European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology," transformational leadership is more effective than transactional leadership. For instance, it can effectively be applied to militaristic, industrial, hospital and educational settings. It's also applied frequently to businesses. Transformational leadership can improve the capability of a sales force, help a company reshape its image in the marketplace and create a positive environment for employees.
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