TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation

Transformational leadership represents the gold standard in modern team management.

It is based on inspiring followers to transcend their personal interests for the good of the group.

One of its characteristics is inspirational motivation, where the leader articulates a compelling vision of the future and raises expectations of what the team can achieve.

Instead of focusing only on tactics, he gives an emotional purpose to the effort. In addition, this style promotes intellectual stimulation.

The coach does not simply give orders, but challenges athletes to think, question assumptions and find creative solutions to tactical problems.

For example, instead of telling his defenders exactly where to position themselves in a corner, a soccer coach might stop the drill and ask, "What movement pattern is the opponent using and how can we best counter it?"

This encourages game intelligence and gives athletes a sense of strategic ownership.

Individualized consideration of the athlete.

A critical component of this model is individualized consideration. The leader recognizes that each team member is unique, with different needs, motivations and personal situations.

There is no "master key" to manage everyone; what works to motivate a veteran may cripple a rookie.

Suppose there is an athlete on a swim team who is a single mother and has difficulty getting to morning sessions on time. A transactional leader would fine her for being late.

A transformational leader, understanding her life context, might adapt her schedule or allow her to do that part of the training at another time, demonstrating empathy and flexibility.

This personalized attention generates deep loyalty and a desire to repay trust with superior performance when it counts.

Summary