Transformative Leadership: The Art Of Inspiring Leaders Around You

Executives spend around 40% of their time making decisions, based on research from McKinsey. And yet, being an effective leader requires much more than making decisions and telling people what to do. It’s about inspiring those around you to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities. One way of thinking about this is transformative leadership.

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business climate, transformative leadership stands out as a paradigm that adapts to, anticipates, and shapes change. In short, transformative leadership transcends traditional management practices by focusing on positive change in individuals, organizations, and society.

Understanding Transformative Leadership

What separates ordinary leaders from transformative ones is their approach to inspiring positive change in the people and organizations they serve. They have a clear, compelling vision of the future. Rather than being content with the status quo, they are driven to innovate and explore new possibilities.

“A true leader doesn’t create followers – they create more leaders,” explains Dr. Lyn Corbett, community development leader and founder of The Pivotal Group. “Transformative leaders light a fire within individuals, encouraging them to push themselves beyond their current status to become the best version of themselves. This is important not only for their benefit but for the benefit of their families and wider communities.”

“Empowering others by fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued is essential. Transformative leaders recognize that empowering others to succeed is the only way their organizations and communities can achieve sustainable growth and success,” says Corbett. “They also have a different worldview of change than typical leaders. With transformative leadership, you understand that challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. This mindset forces leaders to become highly adaptable and resilient because they understand that there will be positive outcomes from whatever challenges they face, no matter how big or impossible to overcome they seem at the time.”

The Art Of Inspiring Leaders Around You

There are several ways for leaders to take the next step in leadership development to achieve transformative change – let’s look at four different strategies.

1. Foster A Culture Of Continuous Learning

People are eager to develop – with 70% of frontline workers expressing an interest in receiving leadership development training, according to Harvard Business Review. “Transformative leaders understand that leadership development is an ongoing process. They create a culture that values learning and development, encouraging team members to pursue personal and professional growth. This involves providing opportunities for training, mentoring, and exposure to new experiences,” says Corbett.

“If you want to build a team of inspired leaders, you need to provide them with opportunities to continue learning, growing, and developing, even if it comes at a monetary cost. Think of it not as a line item but as an investment in your organization’s future.”

2. Encourage Autonomy And Decision-Making

Inspired leaders need room to make their own decisions – and mistakes. “By giving team members autonomy and a say in decision-making, leaders instill a sense of ownership and responsibility. This empowerment not only boosts confidence but also allows emerging leaders to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” says Corbett. “They will make mistakes. That’s part of the process. It’s important to provide a safe environment for leaders to learn from their mistakes so they can make more informed decisions in the future.”

3. Lead By Example

The best way to inspire a leader is to provide a model example. “Inspirational leaders are role models. Their actions, attitudes, and ethics set the standard for others to emulate. When leaders demonstrate a commitment to integrity, respect, and excellence, they inspire their team to uphold these standards,” Corbett explains. “Transformational leaders live and breathe their values and the values of their organization in ways that inspire those around them to elevate their own standards of excellence.”

4. Provide Candid Feedback

“Effective leaders understand the power of constructive feedback. It’s not just about correcting mistakes but about guiding and supporting team members to realize their full potential,” says Corbett. At the same time, don’t ignore the good things you see in leaders. “Acknowledging and celebrating the successes of team members is crucial. It not only boosts morale but also reinforces the behaviors and practices that you wish to see in future leaders.”

5. Create Opportunities For Leadership

Finally, find ways to encourage emerging leaders to practice their skills. “Transformative leaders create opportunities for team members to take on leadership roles, whether in small projects or larger initiatives. This practical experience is invaluable for developing leadership skills and shaping the future,” Corbett says.

Transformative leadership is not just about leading; it’s about creating an ecosystem where leadership thrives at every level. Transformational leadership involves inspiring and being inspired by those around you. By embracing transformative leadership principles, leaders can catalyze positive change that extends far beyond the confines of their immediate environment, creating a ripple effect that inspires leaders across communities and industries.