What does the term "transformational leadership" refer to?

Transformational leadership refers to a style that focuses on inspiring and motivating individuals to achieve their fullest potential and exceed their own self-interests for the good of the organization. This leadership approach encourages positive changes and innovation by fostering an environment of trust, engagement, and empowerment. Transformational leaders often connect with their team members on an emotional level, instilling a sense of purpose and commitment that drives higher performance and greater job satisfaction.

This approach contrasts with styles that emphasize control and task completion, which may limit creativity or individual expression. While strict supervision and authority maintenance can be effective in certain contexts, they do not cultivate the same level of passion, collaboration, or transformation within a team. Hence, the focus of transformational leadership is not merely on managing tasks or maintaining authority, but on uplifting and uniting individuals toward a shared vision, making it a powerful approach in organizational leadership.