Transformational Leadership
Transformational Leadership:
There is so much talk about leadership skills and some people--I think--attack it like they do learning any other skill, with their head rather than with their heart. There are a several books that come to mind when I think about transformational leadership. One is “Leadership and Self-Deception” published by The Arbinger Institute and another is "Time to Think" by Nancy Kline. There are many others the common theme of which is that true transformational leadership—practicing a lifestyle that brings about true positive, lasting change—requires one to change their own thinking and actions without expectations that require the same from anyone else. The only mind we can change is our own.
I think that many times people are blocked in their thinking and creativity because of perceptions or assumptions; I work to help people remove those barriers, freeing them to unleash their genius. I say that with my whole being… I have found genius in every person I met. It doesn’t matter what background they are from, what economic status or intelligence level, if they are disabled, or at what point or place they find themselves in life. If I am quiet and listen for it, people will tell me where their pain is and how they can overcome that pain to reach a new “ah-ha” to open their minds to new possibilities.
That is my idea of Transformational Leadership. For more, you’ll have to meet me…
Lori Ruff
Int'l Organizational Leadership & Communications
White Knight Management Consulting, Inc.
For More Information:
www.LoriRuff.com
704-224-0271
Skype: (loriruff)
There is so much talk about leadership skills and some people--I think--attack it like they do learning any other skill, with their head rather than with their heart. There are a several books that come to mind when I think about transformational leadership. One is “Leadership and Self-Deception” published by The Arbinger Institute and another is "Time to Think" by Nancy Kline. There are many others the common theme of which is that true transformational leadership—practicing a lifestyle that brings about true positive, lasting change—requires one to change their own thinking and actions without expectations that require the same from anyone else. The only mind we can change is our own.
I think that many times people are blocked in their thinking and creativity because of perceptions or assumptions; I work to help people remove those barriers, freeing them to unleash their genius. I say that with my whole being… I have found genius in every person I met. It doesn’t matter what background they are from, what economic status or intelligence level, if they are disabled, or at what point or place they find themselves in life. If I am quiet and listen for it, people will tell me where their pain is and how they can overcome that pain to reach a new “ah-ha” to open their minds to new possibilities.
That is my idea of Transformational Leadership. For more, you’ll have to meet me…
Lori Ruff
Int'l Organizational Leadership & Communications
White Knight Management Consulting, Inc.
For More Information:
www.LoriRuff.com
704-224-0271
Skype: (loriruff)
Tags: Leadership, Mentoring, Training
Views: 14
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by K Sayeed on -
Hi Lori,
I quite agree with you on your transformational leadership opinion which is very interesting, I have noticed in several companies that mid level and junior management staff lose their innovation and creative ability. I think it is because there is no change, no delegation, no responsibility which ultimately result to no commitment. What are your views ?
K Sayeed
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Permalink Reply by Ben Simonton on -
Transformational leadership, transactional leadership or whatever, all evade the real issue which is how do we manage people in such a way to cause them to unleash their full potential of creativity, innovation, productivity, motivation, and commitment on their work.
The difference between a poorly motivated group and a highly motivated one is, according to experts, near 500% per person in productivity. But most bosses use the traditional top-down command and control approach to managing people, an approach that by its nature leads the vast majority of people to be demotivated and demoralized. About 5% of all people will not be led to be demotivated because they are not conformists, followers. Everyone can become like the 5% if they decide to do so and that is probably what Lori is doing with them, making them aware that they can be their own person rather than following the bad leadership of their bosses.
Most writers don't understand what leadership is because they never studied what followers follow. Armed with this knowledge, it is relatively easy to learn how to lead people to real excellence and to lead them to become like the 5% who are self-directed and self-motivated thus making them so that they will never follow bad leadership again.
Best regards, Ben
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Permalink Reply by K Sayeed on
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Hi,
Just want to comment that is'nt leadership all about social and human dynamics- all centred to motivate people, we need to study their psychology, their perception and expectations on their leader, furthermore making the followers feel important is a part of team building - i.e. bringing a sense of ownership.
The most effective leaders have this trait, some may have it inherent and lot of it is acquired through learning and experience but the real essence is to study, think and plan then device a tactic to implement.
Would you agree?
Best regards,
KS
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Permalink Reply by Ben Simonton on
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KS,
For my definition of and explanation of exactly what leadership is please read my article at
http://www.talentbar.com/profiles/blog/show?id=514868%3ABlogPost%3A...
Best regards, Ben
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Permalink Reply by Guy Farmer on -
Thanks for your perspective Lori. So much of leadership is people being self-aware enough to understand which of their behaviors are effective and which need a little tweak. Transformational leaders let go of their own junk so they and their employees can be healthier and happier.
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Permalink Reply by Lori Ruff on -
I appreciate your comments Guy. It's as true today... perhaps even more so than when this was first posted. Transformational leaders need to convey understanding and a message of hope and confidence in times like these. They need to allow and accept people's honest feelings about a situation and then help them overcome negative feelings so the team can work together with one purpose.
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