Transformational Leaders

Transformational Leaders were first discussed by Weber (1947), in his description of charismatic leaders.  Burns (1978), and later Bass (1985), expanded on this idea of the transforming leader in their behavioral leadership models. All three leadership models agreed the transformational leaders were very different than transactional leaders.

Transformational leaders are comfortable seeking solutions that are innovative and without constraints.  Transactional leaders are willing to work within existing systems and negotiate to attain the goals of the organization.

Burns went on to describe several categories of transformational leaders including:

• Intellectual Leaders - focused on the vision of the future
• Reform Leaders - focused on the morals of society
• Revolutionary Leaders - focused on changing all of society
• Charismatic Leaders - focused on bringing change through personal charisma

Burns was also careful to distinguish between moral leaders and amoral leaders.