Idealized influence is considered to be the major characteristics of transformational leadership. This type of leadership demonstrates how constitutes idealize their leader. Constitutes begin to display trust, admiration, loyalty, and respect for their leader becoming loyal followers. The leader is showing charismatic vision and behavior (Nayab, 2010).
Some transformational leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi were leaders that “demonstrated an incredibly charismatic vision and acted in a way that inspired others” (Pachamama Alliance). However, not all transformational leaders are moral. Some leaders that are considered to be idealized influential may have their own agenda and are seen by some as evil or sadistic. Adolf Hitler for example was a great leader with loyal followers who would have considered him a transformational leader however his actions toward Jews and Christians were immoral and those actions would not classify him as a true transformational leader.
Transformational leaders exhibiting idealized influence strive towards creating a state of idealized influence. In doing so they show clear and concise communication clearly articulating their vision and explaining how to attain the vision in a manner that constitutes understand. They also lead by example. A leader that is willing to get in the trenches with constitutes is a leader that gains followers trust and confidence. A leader with idealized influence also acts confidently and optimistically, shares risks with followers, emphasizes values and reinforces them by symbolic actions, and displays a high level of ethical and moral conduct. Followers admire leaders as role models and respect the decisions they make in turn creating loyal followers (Nayab, 2010).
Boyett (2006) suggests that the behavior of idealized influence is used to shape a follower’s perception of a leader’s power. When a follower sees their leader is confident, takes stands on difficult issues, presents their most important values, emphasizes the importance of purpose, is committed, and makes ethical decisions the follower is going to trust the leader and become a loyal follower.
The Bible also discusses transformational leadership. Ephesians 4:11 – 4:16 says, “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Transformational leadership is the ability to work together for the common good of all. Whether your role is leader or follower gaining trust and confidence is the most important part of a relationship. Transformational leadership regardless if it is idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, or individualized consideration all comes down to a leader that is strong enough to gain loyal followers.
References:
Boyett, J. H. (2006). The Science of Leadership TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP: THE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE LEADER/FOLLOWER RELATIONSHIP. Retrieved from jboyett.com: hppt://www.jboyett.com/files/Transformational_Leadership.pdf
Ephesians. (2014). Retrieved from King James Bible Online: http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ephesians-4-11_4-16/
Nayab, N. (2010). Characterizes of Transformational Leadership. Retrieved from Bright Hub: The Hub for Bright Minds: http://www.brighthub.com/office/home/articles/71743.aspx
Pachamama Alliance: Transformational Leadership. (2014). Retrieved from Pachamama Alliance: http://www.pachamama.org/transformational-leadership 