Transformational leaders are often described as those who stimulate and inspire followers to achieve extraordinary outcomes and, in the process, develop their own leadership capacity. Transformational leaders help followers grow and develop into leaders by empowering them and by aligning the objectives and goals of the individual followers, the leader, the group and the larger organization. Not only are these leaders concerned and involved in the process; they are also focused on helping every member of the group succeed as well and demonstrate the importance of integrity.
According to Chittum, “If you are leading and/or working with leaders you may see what we see—namely that great leadership today has to account for far more complexity and ambiguity than ever before. We see terrific people struggling to be great leaders and not knowing where to turn for new perspective.”
For a definition of transformational leadership, Chittum likes to go back to the original meaning of words. “Trans” means to “go beyond” while formation is most often defined as “a forming, shaping.” Transformation then could be understood as that which goes beyond current form.
The process of transformational leadership begins with the individual, addressing internal questions such as: How do I lead? How do I face challenges? How do I serve? As a leader’s thinking transforms, the leader also examines the external systems, the limits and challenges, and how both internal and external systems can change each other.
“The goal is to help leaders navigate more thoughtfully, more intentionally, both for the benefits of the organization and of the leader,” say Chittum. “You can’t transform without being transformed.”
Chittum is program co-director at the Georgetown University Institute of Transformational Leadership and is an executive coach at Still Leading, working with managers and executives worldwide.
This program is part of the Governance Track offered on Monday, May 4 at the Westin DC City Center. Other programs will address “Strategic Decisions and Decisive Leadership: The Essence of the Board’s Role” and “Succession Planning for Club Executives.” For a complete list of the conference programs, please visit http://www.nationalclubconference.org.