Yesterday, we began talking about leadership that produces generations of leaders. The next two days I want to discuss the focus of transformational leadership. This is the leadership style that invests in subordinates to create others-focused leaders that our military and nation need.
There are four components of transformational leadership: charisma, inspiration, being individually considerate, and intellectually stimulating. We’ll discuss the first two today.
Transformational leaders are charismatic. Their followers seek to identify with their leaders and emulate them. This doesn’t happen by accident. Leaders model leadership. They lead by example. In a real sense they are excited and enthusiastic cheerleaders for their subordinates. They speak with words and act with deeds that are admirable, appreciated, and highly esteemed. The more selfless the act, the more charismatic they become. They use words and actions that encourage determination, persistence, and “stick-to-itiveness.” They speak and act with integrity that gains trust, confidence, as well as healthy dependence and reliance from their subordinates.
Jesus asked his followers to follow him, learn from him, and emulate his actions. He instructed them to watch him and learn. He was the example of charisma.
Transformational leaders are inspirational. Leaders inspire their followers with challenge and persuasion. They provide meaning and understanding. They build a sense of vision and purpose in their subordinates. When you are with your subordinates remember these keys to being inspirational:
Be Enthusiastic—Get excited about what you are trying to accomplish. This is a contagious behavior even amidst difficult circumstance and fatigue.
Be Optimistic—Find the positive in all things. Your subordinates will focus on your optimism when circumstances discourage them.
Be Encouraging—Build up your people. Find the good and praise it.
One of Jesus’ best known teachings focused on transforming the inner self. When he finished the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ (see Mathew chapters 5–7) it’s recorded that the people “marveled at him.” People long to be around transformational leaders. Their charisma and inspiration are rare in our society.
Dear God, please make me like Nehemiah, carefully assessing the situation and boldly calling others to follow me in doing the right thing. By the power of Jesus Christ within me, please make me an inspirational leader.
“After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.’” (Nehemiah 4:14)