Leaders who prioritize their own interests and use their power for personal gain cannot genuinely be called ‘transformational.’ This article explores what authentic transformational leadership entails and how it manifests in practice.
The Essence of Leadership
When we think of a ‘transformational’ leader, we often envision a highly charismatic and compelling personality—someone who motivates and inspires by effectively communicating a vision that persuades others to commit to making it a reality.
But what about leaders who misuse these skills?
This dilemma prompted theorists to distinguish between “authentic” and “inauthentic” transformational leaders.
Inauthentic transformational leaders, also referred to as “pseudo-transformational,” exhibit certain traits that appear transformational—charisma, in particular. However, their leadership ultimately revolves around advancing their own personal interests, rather than benefiting others or society as a whole.
Authentic transformational leaders, in contrast, center their leadership on empowering and uplifting others—a principle that is arguably the core of transformational leadership.
Qualities to Aspire to
Authentic transformational leaders look beyond their own interests. They also:
- View others as inherently valuable and unique individuals, rather than seeing them as tools to achieve a goal
- Demonstrate mental flexibility by being open to and responsive to new information, instead of adhering to a rigid agenda
- Share power and empower others to take on responsibilities, lead, and grow their skills
- Use inspiration to motivate others, rather than relying on fear
In conclusion, it’s important to reflect on how authenticity aligns with living your values. If helpful, consider discussing this and the type of leadership style you wish to develop with your coach.