Transformational Leadership

This week in Australia we have seen a shift towards a new style of leadership.  Let’s hope this is the start of the significant change we need in Australia, if we are to make serious inroads into reducing the effects of climate change and inequality.

This election has seen greater diversity with independent candidates and females leading the charge to change the nature of politics.  A quote from

“From Zoe Daniel and Monique Ryan in Melbourne to Zali Stegall, Sophie Scamps, Kylea Tink and Allegra Spender in Sydney and Kate Chaney in Perth, politics-as-usual is being revolutionised by independent women….Here we have seen a swathe of well-credentialed professional women secure stunning victories in metropolitan seats” (Camilla Nelson, Associate Professor in Media, University of Notre Dame Australia)

The pandemic and move to hybrid and remote working has reinforced the changing demands of leaders today.  Whether this is in business, politics or in the community, people are wanting leaders to act differently.  There are a number of different leadership styles which are likely to be more effective in times of rapid and unpredictable change where trust is fundamental to making progress.   The most recent results from the Edelman Trust Barometer shows that distrust is society’s default emotion with 6 out of 10 people requiring evidence before something/one is seen as trustworthy (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2022)  Leaders who have demonstrated a ‘trust and inspire’ or ‘servant leadership’ approach and those who have reverted to a more authoritarian or command and control style.

A ‘Trust and Inspire’ leader, according to Stephen M R Covey (the creator of Trust and Inspire leadership), is one who asks the question ‘what can I do WITH you?’  Leading with the belief  that all people have greatness inside them.  He also describes this type of leadership as ‘stewardship’ which implies the highest level of trust where the leader has been given a job to do and been entrusted to see it through.  

We do not always need to look at the headlines to find amazing leaders.  Many of the women I know are doing amazing work but don’t often speak about their achievements or discount what they have done for others.  One of the women I am working with is providing invaluable support to the homeless people in one of Australia's regional cities.  She spends her day providing emotional and practical advice, always putting others before herself which she now recognises may not always serve her well.

If you are looking to start your personal transformation journey, the 8 week  ‘Unleash Your Inner Superpowers’ programme will help you take the first steps. In the programme we have explored many topics including leadership and influence and how your style can either enable growth or hinder it. If you are interested you can find out more information here or follow me here on LinkedIn.