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6 Key Characteristics of a Transformational Leader

By Dr. Theresa Bullard

Have you ever been in a situation where someone spoke so clearly and passionately that everyone in the room stopped to listen more closely?

Perhaps suddenly the room took on an energy of agreement and excitement as all became united under the inspiring ideas and vision of the one speaking?

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That person was displaying a leadership style known as transformational leadership, one that uses authentic presence, vision and

inspiration to motivate others.

We’ve identified 6 distinct characteristics that make up a modern day Transformational

Leader:

#1  Embrace TransformationThis one may seem obvious but in order to be a transformational leader, you must be someone who adopts a philosophy of moving towards change, rather than avoiding or resisting it.

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Even more, transformational leaders thrive on change and get excited by the prospects of

evolving a system or organization into something even better.

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Transformational leaders are skilled at harnessing the process of change and driving

it forward both intentionally and skillfully. 

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This means they have the skill set to evolve or progress an organization,

idea or philosophy more rapidly.

#2  Personal GrowthAnother key characteristic of a Transformational Leader is their ability and openness to grow.

According to the Georgetown University’s Transformational Leadership Institute, Transformational Leaders, “Grow and expand as human beings even as they lead extraordinary outcomes for their

communities and organizations.”

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This trait is also about Expanding Consciousness and Self-

Awareness.

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In other words, moving beyond just focusing on the material side of things and

tuning in more to the core self and essential nature of being human.

#3 Transparency & AuthenticityTransparency implies openness, communication, and accountability.

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It refers to operating in such a way that it is easy to for others to see

what actions are being performed.  

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Authenticity refers to truthfulness, sincerity, devotion and intention.

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Transformational Leaders are ones who lead by example.  They bring authentic presence,

integrity, vision, and compassion into their role as a leader.

#4  Empowerment & Engaged ActionTransformational Leaders possess the Courage and Confidence to take a stand for their beliefs and vision.

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They also generate the needed clarity and inspiration to get commitment from

others to unite behind the effort. 

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Transformational Leaders are not afraid to push their ideas forward, even in the face of adversity, challenge, and risk.

#5  Integrity & AccountabilityIntegrity, or the concept of consistency around actions, values, principles and outcomes, as well as, Accountability or answerability, are fundamental characteristics of a Transformational Leader.

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This trait refers to taking Personal Ownership and “Walking the Talk”, both by being the example, as well as holding that line with

those you lead.

#6  Self-ActualizationTransformative Leaders are self-actualizing people. They recognize that creativity, innovation, initiative, and an organization’s ability to thrive, rest upon its core values that come from this deeper pursuit of meaning.

As the great psychologist Abraham Maslow declared, “What a man can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization…It

refers to the desire for self-fulfillment, namely, to the tendency for him to become actualized in what he is potentially. This tendency might

be phrased as the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that

one is capable of becoming.”

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True leadership requires the ability to inspire, motivate and ultimately

transform us.

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