In this article on personal development we answer what is transformational leadership in terms of its value and meaning and also how to identify transformational leadership qualities within our own nature in order to give expression to the leader within.
The goal of transformational leadership in personal development is to transform oneself into a leader by uncovering ones leadership gifts through a plan of self realization designed to bring about ones natural ability to lead and as a consequence promote leadership values which encourage and bring out the best of leadership qualities within others.
A specific model of transformational leadership was developed by James Macgregor Burns back in 1978. It has gradually taken hold over other models of leadership as a major model of leadership traits that offers the best up to date view for meeting the prevalent social consciousness and matching the moral standards of today's living. Other leadership models simply do not stand up now against the more equalized individual and humanitarian qualities of consciousness that the transformational leadership role model has to offer.
Leadership is found in every walk of life. It is one of the main attributes a person needs to master life. Leadership of any sort is based primarily on the use of power. Regardless of what sort it is the learning of knowledge and being aware of how to use leadership power beneficially and constructively with wisdom and a certain measure of empathy is what contributes towards being a true leader.
The purpose of transformational leadership in personal development in particular seeks to transcend any self limitations which inhibit leadership expression by transforming them into higher currents of awareness whose energies transform the individual through self autonomy focused equally on a manifestation of a goal or a vision usually equal to more than just their own expressions and ideas on leadership.
An important question for a person to ask themselves who wants to know what a transformational leader is and is looking to become one is: €How long does it take before I become aware of my natural abilities to lead myself€? That can only truly be answered by one's own self- awareness and the experiences of transformation caused through self becoming a leader.
However there are some useful tools of transformation which serve in transformational leadership identity and recognition of it as a natural ability to lead for example:
1) Individuality: Entails taking the initiative, responsibility and defining ones unique contribution to the group in the role of leader through such qualities as support and encouragement, nurture and modes of conduct which bring forth the leader within.
2) Vision and foresight: This transformation tool is for development of self esteem and confidence. It tests ones powers of leadership by using optimism and faith and giving credence to a visions value by knowing how to communicate and articulate its meaning. Also through leadership authenticity as a result of a strong sense of belief, insight and clarity being clearly demonstrated.
3) A healthy ideal of leadership: This tool develops magnetism and aspects of a leaders nature which are those aligned with their highest goals and achievements in becoming a leader. Meaningful dialogue which urges one on in the exemplifying of ones archetypal leadership role model is one such aspect. Also the use of an ideal as a value for taking a stand on self governing and understanding how to lead oneself truly in accord with the concept of leadership power and the non abuse of it under different circumstances
4) Creative Intelligence: Refers to the inquiry into knowledge and worthwhile meaning behind the purpose and actions of both wanting to be and being a leader. It defines creative intelligence as the means to further express the leader within. It shows how it is used as a beneficial transformational power towards attainment of higher levels of leadership consciousness. That is levels where the leader can read, intuitively feel and instinctively know the value and usefulness of true leadership to the extent where it leaves no doubt in uncertain terms as to the reason why creative intelligence plays an intricate part in transformational leadership
When we ask ourselves the question what is transformational leadership€"it's important to understand what the principles of good leadership are based on. Good leadership should always be based on sound moral and ethical principles, with transformational leadership being no exception. In personal development a transformational leader is both a follower and a leader in which both guises are always aiming for higher developmental awareness in leading through moral personal values.
Such personal values are usually supported by ethical codes of leadership conduct whose expression is based on powerful collective archetypal models of leadership such as spiritual, social, humanistic and global values as they serve to nourish growth and sustain awareness in personal development values where transformation of the individual occurs through discovery that they have a natural ability to lead.