Influence

 Influential leadership goes beyond simple exchanges to profoundly influence followers' attitudes, beliefs, motivations, and behavior.

Influence encompasses various types and mechanisms through which one entity can affect the thoughts, behaviors, or outcomes of another. It's important to recognize when and how we are being influenced, as well as how we could be influencing others.

Transformational leadership has a significant influence on followers and organizations in several key ways:

Foster innovation and creativity: Transformational leaders encourage followers to think creatively, challenge assumptions, and develop innovative solutions. They create an environment where it's safe to take risks and voice new ideas.

Increase motivation: Transformational leaders inspire and motivate followers to exceed expectations and achieve higher levels of performance. They create a compelling vision that energizes employees to go beyond their self-interests for the good of the organization. Transformational leaders activate followers' higher-order needs and intrinsic motivation, rather than relying solely on extrinsic rewards. 

Enhance commitment: Transformational leadership is positively associated with followers' commitment to change and organizational goals. Leaders build emotional connections with followers, increasing their dedication to the mission. Through individualized consideration, transformational leaders act as mentors and coaches, helping followers grow and reach their full potential.

Increase career satisfaction: By providing individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation, transformational leaders tend to increase career satisfaction among employees. Studies suggest transformational leadership can help decrease employee burnout by providing support and inspiration.

Improve organizational performance: Research has found positive associations between transformational leadership and overall organizational effectiveness and financial performance.

Role modeling: By demonstrating high ethical standards and idealized influence, transformational leaders serve as role models that followers seek to emulate.

Influential leadership goes beyond simple exchanges to profoundly influence followers' attitudes, beliefs, motivations, and behaviors in ways that elevate both individual and organizational performance. This leadership style is particularly effective in times of change and when innovation is needed.

Posted in: Future of Leadership,Global Perspective,Innovation