How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | Page 502

Discussion
Whilst the Transformational Leader seeks overtly to transform the
organization, there is also a tacit promise to followers that they also will
be transformed in some way, perhaps to be more like this amazing
leader. In some respects, then, the followers are the product of the
transformation.
Transformational Leaders are often charismatic, but are not as
narcissistic as pure Charismatic Leaders, who succeed through a belief
in themselves rather than a belief in others.
One of the traps of Transformational Leadership is that passion and
confidence can easily be mistaken for truth and reality. Whilst it is true
that great things have been achieved through enthusiastic leadership, it
is also true that many passionate people have led the charge right over
the cliff and into a bottomless chasm. Just because someone believes
they are right, it does not mean they are right.
Paradoxically, the energy that gets people going can also cause them to
give up. Transformational Leaders often have large amounts of
enthusiasm which, if relentlessly applied, can wear out their followers.
Transformational Leaders also tend to see the big picture, but not the
details, where the devil often lurks. If they do not have people to take
care of this level of information, then they are usually doomed to fail.
Finally, Transformational Leaders, by definition, seek to transform.
When the organization does not need transforming and people are
happy as they are, then such a leader will be frustrated. Like wartime
leaders, however, given the right situation they come into their own and
can be personally responsible for saving entire companies.

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