CHANGING LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE: BECOMING TRANSFORMATIONAL IN A CHARISMATIC WAY

With the coming of our new school administrator a transformational style in a charismatic way is being advocated. But not everybody is quite familiar with such leadership style so before we can really change our perspective, let’s have a clear understanding of what is it all about.

Charismatic leadership gives inspiration and direction to the team. Charisma according to others is an elusive concept. According to one definition,“Charisma packs an emotional wallop for followers above beyond ordinary esteem, affection, admiration and trust… ”

While others describe a charismatic leader as an idolized hero, a messiah, a saviour as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Charismatic leaders strive to create an aura of competence and success and communicate high expectations for and confidence in fellowmen.

A sense of excitement and adventure is a risen by charismatic leader. He or she is an eloquent speaker who exhibits superior verbal skills which helps communicate the vision and motivate followers.

Transformational leaders get people transcend their personal interest for the sake of the larger community. They revitalize organizations. Delegating, challenging to work to deserving people, keeping lines of communication open and provide on one mentoring to develop their people are the evidences of organizations under transformational leadership.

Being intellectually stimulating is another characteristic of transformational leaders. They articulate the organization’s Swot- strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Because of their capacity to stir imagination and generate insights, problems are recognized; higher quality solutions are identified and implemented. And ascend result, getting the full commitment of followers.

At least four skills or strategies contribute to transformational leadership. First, setting a vision- a goal, an agenda or a results’orientation that grab’s people attention. Second they communicate their vision through words and manner as they relate a compelling image of the ultimate goal. Third, transformational leaders built trust by being consistent, dependable and persistent. They position themselves clearly by choosing a direction and staying with it, thus projecting integrity. Finally they have a positive -self-regard. They recognize their personal strengths rather than feeling self-important or complacent. They compensate for their weaknesses as they nurture and continually develop their talents and how to learn from failure..

Being authentic is also a characteristic of transformational leadership. It is rooted in the ancient Greek Philosophy “To thine own self be true”. These leaders are willing to sacrifice their own interests for others and they can be trusted for they are ethically mature. In these complex times, leaders need not act alone. Business guru John Hersey advices today’s leader to be SAGE… who help enrich people’s lives.

Level 100% leadership is considered by some to be ultimate leadership style. It is a combination of a strong professional will (determination) and personal humility that builds enduring greatness.

When a person thinks of himself as a leader he/ she is motivated to act as a leader and further develops leadership skills. Having a healthy sense of own destiny and power to influence and having a concern for other welfares’ changing are the starting point of leading.

— oOo—

The author is Master Teacher I (English) at Sta. Ana National High School