By Dr. Robert J. Wright
Those who generate the most meaning and consideration for individuals win the hearts and minds of those they lead. These are transformational leaders, those who give their followers the most, they "…stimulate and inspire followers to both achieve extraordinary outcomes and, in the process, develop their own leadership capacity." Bass and Riggio, authors of Transformational Leadership continue, "Transformational leaders help followers grow and develop into leaders by responding to the individual followers' needs by empowering them and by aligning the objectives and goals of the individual followers, the leader, the group, and the larger organization."
Research is demonstrating that transformational leaders can move followers to exceed expected performance and that those led by transformational leaders report higher levels of satisfaction. James MacGregor Burns coined the term in the early 1970's. Bass researched the phenomenon extensively and arrived at four key elements of transformational leadership; intellectual stimulation, attention to individual development and needs, inspiration through meaning and optimism, and by practicing what they preach and being role models others admire and respect.
"So what?" you may be thinking. "What is it to me?" One of the big discoveries of Bass and Riggio is that transformational leadership can be trained. Don't miss the 2009 Transformational Leadership Symposium: Staying Ahead of the Curve where the foremost living expert on transformational leadership, Dr. Ron Riggio will be presenting along with, perhaps the most respected organizational and global change expert, Dr. Don Beck. The 2009 Transformational Leadership Award recipient, Brad Anderson, former CEO of Best Buy and one of the most respected leaders in the company will be the key note speaker with Dr. Judith and Dr. Robert Wright, researchers, coaches, and experts on the personal transformation of leaders, presenting neuroscience of the inner leadership journey to maximize the organization's development.
Dr. Robert J. Wright
The Wright Leadership Institute
(312) 645-8300
www.wrightlearning.com
www.transformleadership.org
If you are a leader looking to change your path and company, spend a day with great leaders, then please review http://www.transformleadership.org