People are looking to you. They’re looking for answers. They’re looking for guidance. They’re looking for hope.
All of these things can be found in a great leader. But your tribe is also looking for something else. They’re looking for transformation.
And you’ve got to have to be skill in transformational leadership. Are you? If not, read on dear reader.
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What Is Transformational Leadership?
There’s the million dollar question folks. Luckily, the answer is pretty simple.
To be a transformational leader, you’ve got to be a leader who is able to illicit change in others. You’ve got to be able to shift people’s thinking. You’ve got to effect change in the lives of others.
The answer is simple. The application is hard.
How To Be A Transformational Leader
Now we need to get into the grittiness of transformational leadership. Like the rest of life, transforming the lives of others takes hard work. On your end. And on their end.
It’s a two way street. You’ve both got to be willing to participate.
But that doesn’t exempt you from playing your part. You’re the leader, you’ve got to give it your best shot.
If you want to be a transformational leader, you’ve got to use these 3 keys:
Key #1: Be a role model – Common sense tells us we’ve got to have action behind our words. We can’t spout orders and expect others to do the work while we sit in a cushy office. That isn’t the way transformational leadership works.
Instead, these leaders get down to the ground floor. They put in the hard work. They show what needs to be done.
They’re a role model in their work ethic. They’re also a role model in their words.
Transformational leaders know that negativity shouldn’t be accepted in the workplace. So they take the initiative and are positive when bad situations arise.
They show restrain by refusing to gossip or call names. They know the power of words and they’re unwilling to break others down.
Key #2: Know your tribe’s strengths and weaknesses – Next, transformational leaders get to know their tribes. They know each member has strengths and weaknesses and they try to stay aware of them.
Once they’ve learned the strengths and weaknesses, these leaders begin to put the tribe members into work that plays off of their strengths and minimizes their weaknesses.
Not only will you get better work when people are working in areas they’re strong in, they will also find more fulfillment in work. It’s a win-win.
Key #3: Give your tribe ownership – You might think you want to hold on tight to the reigns of control. Work will get done and it’ll be the best work. This is the wrong attitude to have if you’re going to be a transformational leader.
Instead, give your tribe ownership. Let them know what needs to be done but that they have free reign on how to accomplish the tasks.
Ownership makes your tribe feel they’re valued. That their work will impact the company. And it’s true. They will be valued and they can make an impact.
We leaders have to step back and allow them that freedom. When we do, we’ll begin to see change.
So are you a transformational leader? Get started by being a role model, learning the strengths and weaknesses of your tribe, and giving up ownership. Only then will true transformation begin to take place.
Question: How are you being a transformational leader? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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