Essay Example on Transformational Leadership

The roles of the transformational leader in the healthcare setting include promoting teamwork among staff, encouraging positive self-esteem, motivating staff to function at a high level of performance, and empowering staff to become more involved in the development and implementation of policies and procedures. The transformational leader portrays trustworthiness and serves as an inspiration to others, possessing an optimistic, positive, and encouraging outlook. Transformational leadership is vital, especially in clinical areas where new graduate nurses are present. Furthermore, its qualities promote a healthy environment for employees and staff, which will produce improved staff satisfaction, retention, and patient satisfaction (Weick & Sutcliffe, 2006).

Circumstances that Transactional Leadership might be preferred

A transactional leader will try to ensure that the staff complies with rules by instituting a system of rewards and punishments. Those individuals who follow his or her instructions and achieve the set targets will be paid accordingly. On the other hand, those who fail to obey and to reach the goals will be punished for their transgressions. This style is firmly focused on the supervision of subordinates, keeping the organization running smoothly and improving group performance. There is a keen interest in the work done by followers to find deviations. This leadership style is useful in managing a crisis and completing highly specific projects.

References

Bass, B. M. (1985). Leadership and Performance beyond Expectation. New York: Free Press.

Bennis, W. (1998). On Becoming a Leader. London: Arrow.

Weick, K. E., & Sutcliffe, K. M. (2006). Mindfulness and the quality of organizational attention. Organization Science, 17(4), 514-524.

Wright, P. (1996). Managerial Leadership. London: Routledge.