The 4 I’s of transformational leadership

Transformational leadership is about much more than simply dictating the role of a ‘boss’ in a formal setting. True leaders need much more than that to succeed, particularly as more and more employees demand greater clarity on their roles and more influence over how their contribution will help a company to thrive.

A transformational leader makes all the difference between an enjoyable time in the workplace, and a somewhat more lacklustre one. These leaders are therefore always highly prized and tend to be valued for their unique skill set. Whether you want to become such a leader yourself or simply wonder how to identify them, here are the four key L’s to look out for.

Influential

By their very nature, these leaders must be able to influence others. This is unlikely to be through direct coercion, but rather through a desire to rise to the high standard which has been set by the leader themselves.

Risk takers who adhere to a strong value system, these leaders influence almost everyone they meet, which in turn helps to develop greater confidence amongst the team. By knowing they have an influencer in their midst, these figures will encourage everything from ethics to excellence in their workforce.

Individual

Transformational leaders do not see their workforce as a homogenous whole, but rather as individuals who each have specific and tailored needs as well as unique benefits which they bring to the company.

This individualised approach is thoroughly modern and taps into the need for increased people skills amongst managers and other leadership roles.

Leaders need to be able to define with care what it is which motivates everyone on their team. This answer will be different for everyone, and a great leader recognises not only this motivation, but also the reasoning behind it. As a result, team members will be able to fulfil their distinctive role within the business while feeling supported, nurtured and understood.

Intellectual

These leaders are also highly creative, and able to stimulate their teams from an intellectual perspective. Such leadership is focused on keeping team members fully engaged with both tasks and the company. Leaders who have this skill will be able to problem solve effectively and have plenty of vision, as well as being able to share this vision with those they work alongside.

Their intellectual approach will garner plenty of ideas from team members, which they will process and discuss with care and consideration.

Inspirational

It is hard to imagine a transformational leader who isn’t able to inspire both loyalty and respect. They’ll not demand these things of their staff, and they will also prove a role model of sorts, encouraging everyone to achieve their strongest accomplishments within this setting.

Motivational and astute, these leaders will be fine communicators with plenty of insight to each issue which is faced by the team. Whatever obstacles they face, they will overcome them with resilience and dignity, rebounding with an optimistic and enthusiastic outlook.