The Effective Leadership Model: Characteristicsof Transformational Leadership

Introduction

Leadership a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal (Northouse). Leaders help themselves and others to do the right things. They set direction, build an inspiring vision, and create something new. Leadership is about mapping out where you need to go to "win" as a team or an organization; and it is dynamic, exciting, and inspiring (Manktelow).

A transformational leader is someone who positively transforms other. The transformational leadership model highlights visionary thinking and bringing about change, instead of management processes that are designed to maintain and steadily improve current performance.A transformational leader is a person who creates an inspiring vision of

Leaders with these characteristics are not only effective leaders but are also transformational leaders. Below are five qualities of a transformational leader.

• Vision

To be a transformational leader, you must have a vision and must be passionate about that vision. The leader must be able to effectively communicate the vision to his followers and also get them to share in the vision. Once the vision has been clarified and communicated, the leader must have ways of executing this

I have to make the decision to becoming a transformational leader, leaders choose to lead.

• Learn how to Communicate Effectively

Communication is a very important ingredient in leadership. To become a transformation leader, I must learn how to communicate effectively and constructively. I have to be a good listener, team members will feel respected when they are listened to. I have to build a good relationship with the team by understanding how to communicate with each member of the team. Also, communicating the vision and goal of the team correctly is very important. If the goal of the team is misunderstood, then the team will not be productive.

• Be a Role Model and Earn Trust.

Leaders lead by example, to become a transformation leader, I have to be a good example and a role model to my team members. I have to learn to mentor and coach team members to be successful in their endeavors and also to be leaders. I have to set standards and live by this standard, my team members should aspire to be like me.When team members don’t trust the leader, the team tends to be less productive. To be a transformational leader, I have to earn the trust of my team members before I can transform them. I can achieve this by being consistent, honest and always keep to my words. When team members trust the leader, they believe in the leader’s