What is a Transformative Leader?

We have talked about leadership in general – the skills required to motivate others to achieve a worthy goal. We have also talked about different leadership styles. Now we want to talk more about a leadership theory called ‘Transformative Leadership.’ This goes beyond just motivating others; it involves leading them in a way that draws out their full humanity – allowing their deepest drives to align with the work they do in an organization. It requires awareness of and connection to one’s own deep motivations, in order to release others to be present in the same way. It is a style of leadership which releases people’s best efforts, without making them feel heavily burdened.

A transformational leader is someone who is:

A. Mindful and Emotionally Intelligent

A transformative leader possesses both mindfulness and emotional intelligence. Mindfulness allows the leader to be present in every situation, fully engaging without the interference of past biases or anxieties about the future. It is about being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and the surrounding environment without judgment. There is a growing body of scientific research that demonstrates that setting aside time to be present in the moment – i.e. by focusing on the breath – is beneficial both for mental health, and to help people make moral choices in day to day life.

Mindfulness builds towards emotional intelligence. A person who has a high emotional intelligence will be aware of their own emotional state and be present to the emotions of others. They will not be carried away in the current of emotion, but will be able to respond in the right way – informed by their own feelings but not controlled by them.

Together, these traits allow a transformative leader to respond to challenges with clarity and empathy, creating an environment of trust and mutual understanding.

An example of a mindful and emotionally intelligent leader is Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft. Nadella is known for his humble, empathetic, and collaborative style of leadership, which has transformed Microsoft’s culture and performance. He practices mindfulness meditation daily and encourages his employees to do the same. He also listens to different perspectives, learns from his mistakes, and fosters a growth mindset among his team. Nadella has been credited with making Microsoft more innovative, inclusive, and customer-oriented. Under his leadership, between 2014 and 2023 Microsoft’s stock rose almost 1,000%.

B. Demonstrates the Courage to Care

Demonstrating the courage to care is not just about showing concern for others, but it involves genuine commitment to the well-being of the people and the organization. A transformative leader goes beyond perfunctory check-ins; they invest time to understand the aspirations, fears, and motivations of their team members. By showcasing vulnerability, they foster an environment where individuals feel valued and safe to share their own vulnerabilities. This level of caring fosters a deeper sense of belonging and encourages team members to bring their whole selves to work.

An example of a leader who demonstrates the courage to care is Jacqueline Novogratz, the founder and CEO of Acumen, a nonprofit organization that invests in social enterprises that serve the poor. Novogratz left a lucrative career in banking to pursue her passion for social justice and poverty alleviation. She has faced many challenges and risks in her work, such as operating in conflict zones, dealing with corruption, and facing criticism from both donors and beneficiaries. She has also shown compassion and generosity to the people she serves, often living among them and sharing their stories.

C. Accountable and Principled

Integrity is a cornerstone of transformative leadership. Such leaders are both accountable and principled, ensuring they hold themselves to high ethical standards. They are transparent about their actions, accept responsibility for mistakes, and view failures as learning opportunities. By doing so, they set a positive example for their teams, embedding a culture of honesty and responsibility. A principled approach ensures that decisions are made with fairness and consistency, solidifying the leader’s credibility and earning the respect and trust of those they lead.

An example of an accountable and principled leader is Howard Schultz, the former CEO and chairman of Starbucks. Schultz has been vocal on issues including equal marriage and climate change. He has made the purchase of fair-trade coffee a priority for Starbucks as a company. He has taken responsibility for his actions and decisions, such as admitting his mistakes and apologizing for controversies when necessary. He has also held himself and others to high standards of performance and ethics.

D. Changes Self and System

One of the defining characteristics of a transformative leader is their commitment to personal growth and systemic change. Recognizing that leadership isn’t a static trait, they continuously seek opportunities to improve themselves, challenging their own beliefs and learning from diverse perspectives. Additionally, they are not content with simply adapting to the system; they strive to change it. Recognizing systemic inefficiencies or injustices, transformative leaders work to implement policies and strategies that ensure lasting, positive change within organizations.