- How do you define transformational leadership based on your reading?
- How can transformational leadership impact the way an administrator leads a school?
- How can transformational leadership impact the school administrator as he/she leads integrating technology with instruction?
While Transactional Leadership is based on a telling people what to do philosophy; Transformational Leadership is focused on a leading and selling people on the idea philosophy. A transformational Leader will be impassioned and sure of their mission and will work to get you on board rather than the transactional leader will demand and command you to get on board. The Transactional leader will get minimal short term support for their mission but the Transformational leader will begin to effect systemic change through their leadership style.
True transformational leadership is very difficult to come by and I have to wonder why when we all know it is best practice especially in a school environment. Is it because it takes so much out of you emotionally and physically? Is it because it is hard work? Is it because of all the demands put on administrators to perform to certain standards?
I believe that many leaders strive to be a transformational leader but that many fall short and end up falling back to the transactional model, the manager, the "boss", and the organizer. It's a much easier model to follow and even though the research shows that it is not the best practice for leadership still this type of leadership seems to be more prevalent in schools.
In regards to the integration of technology, I believe that a transformational leader who is willing to take risks and empower their staff would be much more likely to be open to trying new things. They would be willing to step up and try even though there was a risk of failure because without an attempt there can be no success.
I am lucky to be currently working with a leader that I believe leans heavily towards the transformational leadership style. Her job is to empower us to successfully move towards the district vision. She is guiding us along the way but also allows us to learn from our mistake. Her critiques are constructive in nature and she is always willing to lend a helping hand. She does not shove her agenda down our throats but rather opens dialogue to discuss issues and then gradually changes our practices which in turn change our philosophies. I have learned so much from already about how to be a leader and I didn't even realize it until now.
