Essay on Transformational and Authentic Leadership

Leadership is a crucial part of every organization. However, the leadership style they exhibit is significant in determining the success of a particular leader. Leadership style refers to the style that the leader utilizes in directing, implementing organizational plans and employee motivation. There exist several leadership styles that are used by leaders whether in businesses, politics, or other areas. However, this paper will focus on transformational and authentic leadership styles. Besides, the article will discuss the application of the various styles and highlight the differences.

Transformational leadership refers to the style that focuses on a wholesome improvement of the standards and qualities of other and is usually achieved by providing a better working relationship and mentoring the workers (Northouse, n.d). The style has been credited for having the audacity to invoke the positive qualities and abilities from the subjects. Qualities of the transformational leaders involve but are not limited to friendly, passionate, energetic and enthusiastic. Furthermore, the leaders work dedicatedly for the success of the company alongside the employees. This involves inspiring and stimulating the employees to accomplish extraordinary goals set by the organization. By doing this, the leaders also develop their capacity. The leaders respond to the individual needs of the employees and in turn provide empowerment in specific areas where the employees are inadequate. They align the individual goals of the employees to the goals of the organization. Besides, transformational leaders can induce their quality personality and ideas to other employees charismatically. Transformational leadership is applicable in a case where the persons are mentored for skill acquisition. This includes students on industrial attachment where the student are delegated supervisors to work closely with them in coaching and empowering them (Hamad, 2015).

On the other hand, authentic leadership is a leadership style that is more result and goal oriented. The leaders exhibiting authentic leadership style think of themselves as more accomplished and self-actualized who are aware of their emotions, strengths, and weaknesses (Northouse, n.d). Authentic leaders usually put the interest of the company before their interest. They are mostly focused on achieving results and not their ego, money or power. The leaders show their vulnerability and emotions by connecting with thee employees. An example of authentic leadership is where a leader exemplary demonstrates good qualities in leadership. They serve as an example to others. For instance, a parent demonstrates good qualities so that the child can follow his traits Ladkin & Spiller, 2013).

Transformational and authentic leadership styles portray differences in their approaches. For instance, transformational leadership focuses on uplifting and develop the abilities of the employees so that they can also become leaders in future (Northouse, n.d). This is achieved through constant monitoring, evaluation, and mentorship. On the other hand, authentic leadership emphasizes on the accomplishment of the results. The leaders exhibiting the authentic leadership style strive to portray attributes that are focused on achieving the organizational goals. This means that transformational leadership strives more to build other employees which makes it more centered on ethical leadership and morals. As opposed to authentic leadership style, transformational leaders provides the basis for a seamless gaining of leadership skills since it focuses on empowering potential leaders. However, unlike authentic leadership style, transformational leadership style is only effective when used appropriately in that it sometimes fails to work and requires some additional managerial qualities.

In conclusion, both transformational and authentic leadership styles are important aspects of leadership. A leader choosing a specific style will depend on the atmosphere of the institution and the leaders personal choice. However, transformational leadership proves more applicable in that it strives for worker progression as compared to authentic leadership. However, full application of the style cannot be ideal because it can lead to conflicting values.

References

Hamad, H. (2015). Transformational Leadership Theory: Why Military Leaders are More Charismatic and Transformational. International Journal on Leadership, 3(1).

Ladkin, D., & Spiller, C. (2013). Authentic leadership. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.

Northouse, Peter Guy,( n.d). Leadership: Theory and Practice. ISBN: 9781483317540