Gandhi’s message of “satyagraha- power born of truth, love, and non-violence” was transformational of both society and self. His moral leadership was deeply principled while strategically shrewd. “ Burns 2003
Through her leadership and the vision of many women before her, Alice Paul transformed women through her commitment to the moral belief of equal rights. Her life long commitment went beyond self to enhance the betterment of all women and the suffrage movement. Transformational Leadership transcends belief and exudes principle beyond ego.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a great example of a transformational leader, because he satisfied the needs of his followers. But instead of riding those needs to power, he remained sensitive to a higher purpose. His vision of leadership went beyond himself to the greater good of all that followed him. (Burns 2003)
Burns writes ”Transforming change transforms people and their situations” Transformational leaders are effective and inspiring communicators. They keep their ethical and moral beliefs for their community in the forefront of their thinking. These leaders, like all effective leaders, hold high expectations for their community followers, however the transformational leader will model the expected behavior of followers in order to ensure success. Transformational leaders foster resonance within the community while creating solid and respected change to the climate and culture of their community (a paradigm shift) without wavering from moral /ethical responsibility. These leaders are motivate which motives others to be successful. Their ability to “move” their followers often turn followers into leaders.
Followers of transformational leaders raise others to higher levels of motivation and morality They are intrinsically motivated and share a common goals while becoming active participants in the mission. These followers are confident and autonomous in their task completion. Followers of Transformative leaders realize that there is opportunity for personal and professional growth in all tasks and often take the time to reflect on their experiences.
Under the transformational leadership, followers often take the lead on many tasks. These followers are becoming leaders within their community while maintain the shared vision. These followers are committed to change and have the ability to make a difference in their learning communities. Throughout the process, these followers often create positive environments. Within the transformative groups, all contributions are valued.
Transformational communities value a shared purpose or vision. The success is not dependent on the leader, it is independent of the individual and maintained by the group. These communities create transformation within by incorporating the shared vision into their daily decision making to continue to create better and more valuable change. These communities foster better communication through reflection and open “safe” communication. Communication where no member feels inferior.
Because all share in the process, there is sustainable change within the community that enlightens. Due to the common goals or shared visions, these transformational communities develop leaders in their parent, student, teacher, groups that all feel a part of the process. Because these members are part of the process, their commitment become stronger.
Transformational leaders model best practices . Their commitment to values ensure that their followers also model best practices. The creation of community within a school provides safe learning environment which helps learners take charge of their learning to become active participants in the process, which ultimately develops their own ability to lead in a variety of situations. Like all leadership, there are challenges. The transformational leader takes these challenges and creates opportunity. By disregarding the needs of the self and embracing the needs of the community, these challenges dissolve into opportunity. Unlike the transactional leader, the self is never a driving factor.
The good of the community and the ethical choice will always drive decision making. Sergiovanni says “A key role of leaders is “purposing” —a continuous stream of actions that has the effect of developing clarity, consensus, and commitment about the school’s basic purposes. It transforms the school from an organization to a covenantal community”. Leaders in excellent schools consistently call on teaches and themselves to do the right things. This transformational leadership ensures that the good of the community is always the most important factor in all decision making.