Transformational Leadership in Colleges
Leaders who embody the principles of transformational leadership can inspire others and be bastions for positive change in their community. As the world continues to evolve, transformational leaders will play a pivotal role in shaping the future for generations to come.
By Jessica Dickenson — September 6, 2023
In the dynamic landscape of higher education, transformational leadership is a leadership style that stands out from the rest. While some people are focused on outcomes and goals, transformational leaders are concerned about people. Transformational leadership is a leadership style that focuses on leaders who are involved in projects and focused on every member of the group succeeding.
Understanding Transformational Leadership
At its core, transformational leadership goes beyond routine management and aims to inspire and empower individuals to exceed their expectations. This style of leadership centers around the leader's ability to envision a compelling future, communicate that vision effectively, and motivate others to work collectively towards achieving it.
The Four I's of Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders exhibit several key attributes, often summarized as the Four I's:
1. Idealized Influence:
You have probably heard the phrase, "lead by example" and this leadership style leans heavily on that mantra. Transformational leaders serve as role models and gain the respect and admiration of their followers. Transformational leaders use their authority to inspire and motivate their team members through their example. You can't expect 110% from people if you are unwilling to also give 110%.2. Inspirational Motivation:
While it is important to show support through your actions, it is equally important to verbally articulate this as well. These leaders motivate their teams by creating a sense of purpose and passion, encouraging individuals to connect their personal goals to the broader organizational mission. It is often important to reemphasize what the goals and mission are through positive feedback so that everyone stays on task and empowered to continue toward the endgoal.3. Individualized Consideration:
You aren't just working with a team, you are working with individual people. Transformational leaders recognize the uniqueness of each team member. They provide personalized support, mentorship, and development opportunities, fostering an environment where individuals can thrive. You have to realize that not everyone will be able to give 110% to every project every day. Not everyone is going to be able to take on every task that is thrown their way. As a transformational leader, you have to embrace the differences that your team has and play to everyone's strengths.4. Intellectual Stimulation:
If you are going to play to everyone's strengths, it requires you to sometime relinquish your role as a leader. Transformational leaders challenge the status quo and encourage innovative thinking. They promote intellectual curiosity and open discussions, inviting new perspectives and ideas. You have to let go of your desire to control and allow your teammates to flourish in the positive environment that you hopefully helped foster. No one will learn to fly if you clip their wings.Transformational Leadership in Colleges
There are many ways in which this style of leadership makes a positive impact in the ever-changing landscape of higher education.
Navigating Change
Colleges are hubs for change. Campuses often face significant changes, whether related to curricular updates, major/minor lifestyle changes, personal growth, career development, and much more. Transformational leaders navigate through these changes with a clear vision, effective communication, and an emphasis on collaboration. Transformational leaders not only know that they can handle anything that comes their way, but they know that they don't have to do it alone.
Building Inclusive Communities
Marian Anderson said, "No matter how big a nation is, it is no stronger than its weakest people, and as long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you might otherwise."
Transformational leaders are champions of inclusivity and diversity. They actively promote a sense of belonging from various backgrounds, creating a campus culture that values and embraces differences. They know that we are only strong if we are strong together, so everyone must be built up as a school community.
Developing Future Leaders
By practicing individualized consideration, transformational leaders nurture the leadership potential of their team members. This approach not only benefits the institution but also contributes to the growth of future leaders. They know that they aren't the first to walk through the doors of their college and they won't be the last. A quote from Lao Tzu sums it up best, "A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." Transformational leaders don't want the limelight, they only want to make the world a better place.
Leaders who embody the principles of transformational leadership can inspire others and be bastions for positive change in their community. As the world continues to evolve, transformational leaders will play a pivotal role in shaping the future for generations to come.
Jessica Dickenson
Jessica Dickenson graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with degrees in English and communication. She has applied her abilities working as a young marketing professional for a local university but works as a freelance writer and photographer in her spare time. She currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband.
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