Transformational Leadership

The mission of Truliant Federal Credit Union is to enhance the quality of life of our members and become their preferred financial institution.

Not that long ago, inadvertently, I was involved in a heated debate over power, freedom and the essence of leadership.  My opponent, a senior advisor to the Head of a company employing more people than what some counties call their populations, had...

The thoughtLEADERS Blog covers leadership, communications, strategy and operations. All posts are practical and applicable to help you apply the methods we teach.

Have you ever been in a group where someone took control of the situation by conveying a clear vision of the group’s goals, a marked passion for the work and an ability to make the rest of the group feel recharged and energized? This person just might be what is called a transformational leader.

Strange as it may seem, success catches many people off-guard. If you have been striving for years to build your brand and attain influence, it can feel very odd to realize that things really are taking off.

Isn’t that really what every organization looks for? Good people who treat others well, work hard, keep the organization’s interests ahead of their own, and give back to the community.

How would you describe a strong leader? In one leadership study, qualities such as assertiveness, adaptability, intelligence and conscientiousness were cited as the most important. “Research clearly shows that transformational leaders – leaders who are positive, inspiring, and who empower and develop followers – are better leaders,” explains psychologist and leadership expert Ronald E. Riggio. “They are more valued by followers and have higher performing teams.”

A student walks in late to my class for the fourth day in a row. I pull him aside and explain authoritatively that I will not tolerate his misbehavior.