The power of transformational leadership
Transformational leadership is that leadership style that focuses on inspiring and empowering employees to reach their full potential. This leadership style is characteristic of leaders who are charismatic, visionary and able to inspire and motivate team members to perform at a level of excellence.
Transformational leaders focus on creating a bold vision for the entire organization and aligning team members to that vision. They then inspire their colleagues to be creative, innovative and think outside the box to find new solutions to problems. Moreover, they provide support for all people in the team to develop their skills.
What characteristics do transformational leaders have in common?
1. They are an inspiration
Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their colleagues by communicating a clear vision of the desired future and challenging them to achieve it.
They use powerful language and imagery to create excitement and desire for the common goal and encourage their peers to think creatively and take risks.
These leaders not only inspire their peers with their vision, but are also sources of inspiration through their everyday actions.
They have a strong commitment to the organization’s goals and values, providing people with a concrete example of behavior to follow. I know that my own example is the strongest message I can deliver.
2. They are critical thinkers
Transformational leaders encourage their peers to question assumptions, avoid prejudices, think critically, and explore new ideas. They create an environment where innovation is valued and rewarded, and they challenge their team members to always come up with new, creative solutions to old problems in the company.
And because they not only encourage critical thinking, but use it, they can identify unconventional solutions to complex problems facing the organization.
These leaders are open to new perspectives and are able to approach challenges from different angles, thus promoting innovation and having a significant impact on the success of the organization.
3. They customize support
Transformational leaders recognize that each colleague has unique skills, aspirations, strengths and weaknesses. They provide individualized support and coaching to help people develop their skills and create opportunities for personal growth and development for all team members.
They understand that people are unique individuals with their own potential. In this sense, they act as mentors, helping their colleagues to develop their skills and competences.
They adapt co-communication and leadership style to the needs and aspirations of each team member, providing the right response for each situation.
4. They are role models
Transformational leaders are role models for their peers, embodying the values and behaviors they want to see in others. They are trustworthy, ethical and genuine and inspire their followers to follow suit.
They demonstrate by their own example that the values and behaviors they promote are not only viable, but essential to the success of the organization. Through their behavior, they set a standard of excellence for everyone around them.
Transformational leaders succeed in motivating and guiding team members so that they push their own limits and achieve outstanding results. They expect more and challenge their team members to achieve superior performance.
What can you do to become a transformational leader?
Developing as a transformational leader has many advantages. According to specialists in organizational psychology, the organization of leadership skills development courses are necessary, if not mandatory. In Romania, there is a tendency to increase investments in the training of transformational leaders, this approach being seen as an essential investment in the future of companies. Here’s what you can do to become a transformational leader:
- Have a clear vision of your desired future: You need to inspire others to share your vision, which means you need to firmly believe in it yourself.
- Learn to communicate effectively: Use your communication skills to express your vision and goals clearly and persuasively. Listens to colleagues’ concerns and ideas and encourages open dialogue.
- Build strong relationships: Take the time to get to know the people on your team. Show interest in their goals and aspirations and offer them support and encouragement as they work to achieve them.
- Give decision-making autonomy: Encourage your team members to take ownership of their work and make decisions autonomously. Give them the resources and support they need to succeed.
- Provide feedback for development: Give your team members regular coaching and feedback to help them improve their skills and turn their potential into value. Create opportunities for learning and growth and support the development goals of your team members.
Florentina Șușnea este Managing Partner în cadrul companiei PKF Finconta. Experiența ei profesională de peste 26 de ani cuprinde domeniile de audit statutar și IFRS, consultanță fiscală, probleme de rezidență fiscală, restructurare financiară și fiscală, documentație și politici de Transfer Pricing, fuziuni și divizări, M&A, expertize judiciare, contabile și fiscale, due diligence de achiziții. Florentina este membru acreditat al următoarelor organizații profesionale: Camera Consultantilor Fiscali, Camera Auditorilor Financiari din România, Camera Expertilor și Contabililor Autorizați din România si Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists. A absolvit Facultatea Finanțe-Contabilitate din cadrul Academiei de Studii Economice, București, Facultatea de Drept din cadrul Universității ”Titu Maiorescu”, programul MBA de la Tiffin University din SUA, este doctor în economie și a urmat numeroase cursuri naționale și internaționale în domeniul fiscal. florentina.susnea@pkffinconta.ro
