ZEN INFORMATION

Innovation through transformational leadership

Transformational leadership is uniquely suited to driving change.

Inspiring people to want change; mobilising them to innovate.

It inspires people to want change, mobilising them to innovate. Rather than controlling or micromanaging every aspect, these leaders provide a vision that people identify with — and act as a role model for the behaviours they want to promote.

Some of a transformational leader’s most important traits include imagination, empathy and passion. An appealing vision is one that people identify with, so that they can see themselves being part of it. But it also has to include an element of surprise — something no one has thought of before, yet is clearly aligned with the accepted values and ambitions of an organisation.

What makes a great transformational leader?

Leaders influence culture firstly through their own actions, and secondly through the actions and behaviours they reward. These serve as a model of organisational values, helping shape organisational culture. This manifests as a set of shared values and beliefs, guiding members of an organisation on how to approach their work and interact with each other.

Transformational leaders understand the importance of empathy, which is essential to establish…