Summary of Transformational Theory
Ordained Minister’s Online Guide to Mentorship, Pastoring, Personal & Leadership Development
Summary of Transformational Theory
Transformational theory is a moral approach to leadership through the valuing of human dignity by the elevation of the self-esteems, fulfillments, and actualizations of those who follow (Whetstone, 2002). “Transformational leaders demonstrate self-confidence, the ability to articulate a vision, a willingness to pursue the vision even if they must assume high personal risks, and an ability to promote change” (Giampetro-Meyer et al., 1998, p. 1728). Because this approach is also people-centered, there are parallels to the servant leadership model in areas such as “influence; vision; trust; respect/credibility; risk-sharing/delegation; integrity; and modeling” (Hannay, 2009, p. 4). The servant theory developed from these with the concept of positioning the needs and desires of followers above and before those of the leaders (Whetstone, 2002). Servant leadership introduced the new wave of theory that leads by emphasizing relationships and service to others (Taylor, Martin, Hutchinson, Jinks, 2007).
Assignment questions:
1. What is Transformational Leadership?
2. Why is Transformational Leadership important to the Minister?
3. Is Transformational Leadership at all related to the Great Commission? Why or Why not?
4. Did Jesus Christ practice Transformational Leadership? Provide an example from the Bible to support your answer.
References
Giampetro-Meyer, A., Brown, T., Browne, M., & Kubasek, N. (1998). Do We Really Want More Leaders in Business?. Journal of Business Ethics, 17(15), 1727-1736. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
Hannay, M. (2009). The Cross-cultural Leader: The Application of the Servant Leadership Theory in the International Context. Journal of International Business & Cultural Studies, 11-12. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
Taylor, T., Martin, B., Hutchinson, S., & Jinks, M. (2007). Examination of leadership practices of principals identified as servant leaders. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 10(4), 401-419. doi:10.1080/13603120701408262.
Whetstone, J. (2002). Personalism and Moral Leadership: The Servant Leader with a Transforming Vision. Business Ethics: A European Review, 11(4), 385-392. Retrieved from Philosopher’s Index database.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformational_leadership