Developing Transformational Leaders
E4LEADERS INTERNATIONAL exists for the sake of developing transformational leaders throughout the Middle East, Asia, and Northern Africa—especially in conflict-affected regions.
So, what is a transformational leader? This post and the next several posts will be dedicated to answering that question and considering what it takes to become a transformational leader. Three outcomes form the primary tenets of transformational leadership. Transformational leaders exemplify and motivate others to: 1) act on the shared and best interest of all1, 2) act in ways consistent with the highest moral and ethical standard2, and 3) act in ways together that achieve more than originally believed possible3. Before moving on too quickly, let’s look at the three primary tenets again, but consider them in the context of a conflict-affected region.
Take a moment and think about some of the armed conflicts throughout the world today: Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Ukraine, and Mexico. Or, perhaps you hold a corporate position in a company facing cutbacks or layoffs (in any nation). The response of an individual or leader might be to do “whatever it takes” in order to survive—not necessarily with others in mind. However, a transformational leader sets his or her sights on a bigger picture, acting on the shared and best interest of all. In many nations, corruption can seem like the “norm.” Several arguments surround the nature of corruption and its relationship to war and whether it functions as a precursor, resource, or result of war4. A systems thinking-approach must be considered when dealing with fear, scarcity, perceived scarcity, and the legitimate needs of people. Ultimately, in order for a nation to make the transition from surviving to thriving, leaders must emerge who will respond in a transformational manner, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical standards. Finally, transformational leaders motivate and unite others to act in ways together that achieve more than originally believed possible; they challenge limiting beliefs and inspire innovative ways of thinking and acting.
Albert Einstein stated, “The mindset that created the problem is insufficient in solving it.” Transformational leaders infuse hope by first embracing their own journey of transformation and in turn, they become agents of change in the world. E4LEADERS INTERNATIONAL believes transformational leaders will create solutions for the significant challenges they face in their spheres of influence. Sustained transformation occurs first through a shifting of attitudes and paradigms, which can be identified by new behaviors and measured results.
1 Burns, 1978↩
2 Zhu, Avolio, Riggio, & Sosik, 2011↩
3 Northouse, 2014↩
4 Le Billon, 2003↩