Transformational leadership holds the key to growing great leaders for our military and our nation. Yesterday we looked at two attributes of these leaders, charisma and inspiration. Today we will look at the other two key components of this leadership style.
Transformational leaders are individually considerate. They provide their followers with support and focus on individual needs. These leaders recognize that each subordinate is unique and requires individual attention to develop into a mature leader. The leader takes on the role of a mentor and a coach. How do they accomplish this?
• FIND THE INDIVIDUAL’S STRENGTHS AND MAXIMIZE THEM
• KNOW THEIR WEAK POINTS AND STRENGTHEN THEM
• SEE EACH INDIVIDUAL AS UNIQUE, HAVING VALUE THAT CAN BE UTILIZED FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS
Jesus found value in every person. He often focused on the weaker, less gifted in the crowd. Even those who were rejected by the crowd held value in his eyes. He empowered them to see that value and bless others.
Transformational leaders are intellectually stimulating. They are able to expand the follower’s use of their own abilities. They find ways to stimulate their efforts to be innovative and creative. Whether by providing opportunity or challenge, their subordinates grow in their abilities and confidence. The following suggestions may help in this regard:
Applaud creativity. Those who are able to cast a problem in a new light and re-frame circumstance to provide new perspective are truly creative.
Ensure followers are included in the process. The leader is not always the answer provider. True leaders draw the answers out from their subordinates. A follower that feels they are apart of the solution is truly enabled.
Restrict public criticism of mistakes or ideas. This not only works against the individual but the team as well. Criticize and correct in private.
Jesus’ teaching was strong and demanding but he fostered a gentile approach to his disciples. He was approachable, and they identified with him.
In conclusion, to become a transformational leader, you must be willing to change your thinking. You must be willing to change your behavior. You must be willing to change your model. Christ is the great agent of change. Not only can he make us new creatures, he can give us a new disposition.
Dear God, please make me like the prophet Joel, turning my heart toward you, confessing and repenting of any known sins, and seeking to follow you wholeheartedly. By the power of Jesus within me, please help me to seek a positive example for others to imitate.
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” (Joel 2:13)