There are countless books and leadership assessments that define leadership and identify the type of leader you are. The challenge is that you are likely to find as many definitions on leadership as there are books.
However, when you distill all the theories, two distinct, polar, leadership styles emerge: Transactional and Transformational leadership.
A Transactional Leader exchanges or withholds rewards to motivate employee performance. This style fosters an environment where subordinates concede power but don’t trust the leader to look out for their best interests. Business goals can be achieved, but often at the expense of human potential.
A Transformational Leader wields influence through integrity. People trust the vision for the organization because they trust the leader. Inspired employees work from a higher level of self-motivation and produce extraordinary results.
Education, talent and title won’t predict which kind of leadership style you will embrace. You’re most likely to emulate the men and women to whom you looked for leadership.
What kind of leaders were they? What kind of leader are you?
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