Your guide to transformational leadership
If you’re a leader, a manager – or someone hoping to step into that role – there’s no shortage of leadership styles to learn about. Transformational leadership stands out because it involves lifting people up, supporting others, and working as a team towards something bigger. It’s leadership designed to bring out the best in others, with a focus on progress.
Why do we need transformational leaders? Because top-down leadership may not be the most effective way to manage people. Over time, research has shown that engaged employees are happier and more productive. The transformational leadership style is one that empowers and motivates people to do their best.
In this guide, we explain more about what transformational leadership means, why it’s effective, and how to apply it to your management role.
What is transformational leadership?
Transformational leadership is based on a theory developed in the late 1970s by a political scientist called James Burns, and later expanded by Bernard Bass. The idea is that leaders should do more than manage tasks. They should help people see what they’re capable of, and support them to overcome challenges to reach their potential.
Transformational leadership means leading with empathy. It’s not about controlling people but supporting them to do great work and feel proud of their achievements.
Examples of transformational leadership at work:
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What are the characteristics of transformational leadership?
The characteristics of transformational leadership are drawn from well-respected sources like Matt Mayberry’s The Transformational Leader and Hugh Blane’s 7 Principles of Transformational Leadership. These authors describe traits that help leaders build trust, encourage growth, and energise teams.
Anyone can learn and develop these characteristics – not just leaders and managers. Here are some common traits of transformational leaders.
They’re inspiring
Transformational leaders help people see a bigger purpose in their work. They remind their team why their work matters and encourage them to aim high.
Example: A café shift lead starts the day with a clear plan and a few jokes to lift the team’s mood before the morning rush.
They show empathy
Transformational leaders take the time to understand what others are going through. They notice when someone is struggling and offer support without judgment.
Example: A supervisor checks in with someone during their break instead of pushing them harder when their output slows. They offer ways to help support the individual.
They challenge
Transformational leaders nudge people out of their comfort zones and support them as they learn. They create opportunities for people to improve their skills and discover new capabilities.
Example: A lead mechanic lets a junior team member try a problematic repair, guiding them through it and giving honest feedback afterwards.
They follow through
Transformational leaders keep their promises and follow up when they say they will. That consistency builds trust and respect.
Example: A nurse manager follows up on a rostering issue the day they said they would, not leaving the team guessing.
These traits don’t develop overnight. To strengthen them, start by observing leaders you admire. Notice how they speak, support others, and follow through. Then, try it in your own way. Give yourself room to improve, and check in with trusted colleagues for feedback. With consistency and self-awareness, anyone can grow into a more transformational leadership style.
Examples of transformational leadership
Transformational leadership happens in all kinds of settings. It’s not limited to corporate boardrooms or formal roles. Below are examples you might recognise.
In building and construction
A foreman checks that everyone is safe, trains the apprentice patiently, and keeps morale up on long, hot days.
A lead builder encourages a new hire to take on more responsibility and helps troubleshoot when things go wrong.
A site manager holds regular check-ins to align the crew and offer one-on-one support.
In retail
A floor manager stays back to help a new team member figure out the POS system, without making a big deal about it.
A department lead creates a system for sharing customer feedback and encourages staff to bring forward improvement ideas.
A shift supervisor shares customer compliments in team huddles to boost morale and recognise team wins.
In healthcare
A senior nurse leads by example on a high-pressure shift, patiently guiding new team members and checking in with others.
A specialist takes time to explain a complex case to a resident doctor, making sure they understand before moving onto something else.
A practice manager advocates for staff wellbeing and introduces small changes based on staff suggestions.
In transport and logistics
A logistics team lead makes sure routes and shifts are fairly divided, updates the team regularly, and checks in if someone’s having a tough week.
A dispatcher recognises a driver’s efforts during a difficult run and works with them to adjust future shifts.
A courier team leader encourages staff to report safety concerns and acts quickly when they do.
In hospitality
An executive chef is patient with new kitchen staff, learns their names, and checks in with them after service.
A front-of-house manager rotates shifts to try and get everyone the times that work best for them.
A team lead gives new hires one-on-one training to build competency and explains the importance of each role.
In customer service
A team leader helps an overwhelmed coworker prioritise tasks and offers help without being asked.
A call centre manager celebrates small wins and lets people know how their work fits the bigger picture.
A coordinator checks in regularly during busy periods to balance workloads and spot burnout early.
Why transformational leadership matters
The modern workplace can undergo rapid changes due to technology or shifting global markets. Transformational leaders who inspire and support their teams, and the individuals in them, are better equipped to cope with changes and stay motivated and productive.
Whether in a hospital, a warehouse, or a kitchen, having a leader who listens, adapts, and brings people together can lift team morale and ultimately reduce turnover. When people feel that their work is purposeful, they’re happier and more likely to go above and beyond.
While this has always been important, it’s even more critical during times of change.
How to become a transformational leader
Transformational leadership is about supporting and empowering individual employees and inspiring them to do their best. Here are some ways you can develop a transformational leadership style.
Know what you care about
Before you lead others, be clear on the values that matter to you. Narrow your core values down: like fairness, growth, teamwork, and efficiency. Knowing your values gives you direction. It helps you make decisions you can stand by, which earns employees' trust.
Being authentic is a hallmark of transformational leadership. People are more likely to follow your lead when they see consistency between your values and actions.
Try this: Think of the best leader you’ve had. What did they do that earned your respect? What small things can you apply in your own way? |
Ask questions
Great leaders ask others to speak up and contribute. This helps build a team culture based on respect and collaboration - when people feel heard, they’re more likely to take ownership. Engouraging personal growth in team members is a key trait of transformational leadership.
Try this: The next time there’s a problem, ask the team, “What’s the best way to tackle this?” before offering your view. |
Give constructive feedback
Build a culture of growth by being honest, kind, and specific. Let people know when they’re doing well and when and how they could improve. Giving helpful feedback shows that you believe in someone’s potential, which is part of transformational leadership.
Try this: Start by telling employees what went well. Then move to what can be improved and how you’ll support that improvement. |
Share the ‘why’
Explain why tasks matter instead of just delegating them. This shows your employees respect and lets them see the bigger picture. Beyond handing out instructions, transformational leaders connect their people to purpose, which boosts motivation and morale.
Try this: Link tasks back to team goals or positive customer outcomes during handovers or briefings. |
Keep your word
Reliability builds trust, so it's important to follow through when you say you’ll do something. Being dependable shows integrity and creates the trust that underpins transformational leadership.
Try this: Keep track of your promises and make sure you check them off. If things change, communicate early. |
Transformation leadership is built on small, consistent actions that help others feel supported, respected and motivated to do their best. Transformational leaders care about the growth of their team members, they listen attentively and follow through on what they say. Regardless of your type of workplace, it's possible to act like a transformational leader, whether you’re managing a team, training a new hire, or working on your management style for the future.
FAQs
What is transformational leadership in simple terms?
Transformational leadership is a way of leading that helps others grow, feel motivated, and work towards something meaningful. It’s about connecting people with purpose, encouraging collaboration, and being an empathetic and trustworthy leader. You lead by setting a good example, supporting others, and showing that everyone’s contribution matters.
What are the characteristics of transformational leadership?
Common traits of transformational leaders include being inspirational, showing empathy, challenging people to do their best, and following through. Transformational leaders help their teams stay motivated, listen to their team members, create learning moments, and keep their promises. These qualities build trust and encourage people to do their best.
Can you give an example of transformational leadership?
A senior nurse checks in with new team members during a hectic shift and guides them through key decisions. A team leader personally checks in with a new hire to make sure they get settled in. A teacher spends time assessing and tutoring a student who has fallen behind in their class.
What is the transformational leadership style?
It’s a leadership style that focuses on trust, collaboration, empathy, values, and purpose. Leaders who use this style focus on building relationships, sharing clear goals, and lifting others up through daily actions.
How does transformational leadership theory work?
Transformational leadership theory says leaders can inspire change by connecting people to a shared purpose, supporting their growth, and leading consistently. When people feel supported and inspired, they’re more likely to stay engaged and deliver their best work.
