Change-Oriented Leadership, Research Paper Example

With the concept of globalization in the business world, it was necessary to find new approaches to deal with organizational change in a turbulent environment.  This created the style of the transformational leader.  A Transformational leader can be identified by the characteristics of a person with vision, a strong sense of purpose and very goal oriented.  He believes that people will follow those who inspire them.  Hence, goal attainment is by inspiring your subordinates motivating them by enthusiasm and energy.  Working for these types of leaders can be a great experience as they derive a great deal of passion about their work and genuinely want you to succeed.  Such leaders start with a clear identification of a vision.Leaders of this type are quick to exploit the vision by sharing it with their team. Such leaders are often seen to be using mind mapping or brainstorming sessions with their subordinates.  They believe in inclusivity and the power of team dynamics. This leader has some positive advantages:  (Gil, 2005)

• Visionary and strategic thinker
• Strong sense of purpose and goal attainment
• Leads by example and coaches the team to victory
• Highly motivated towards team and group success

Behavioural Considerations

Belbin developed a good model to examine the behavioural patterns behind transformational leaders. The illustration to the right shows the three types of roles: 1) Action Oriented  2) People Oriented and  3) Thought Oriented.  Each has a different behavioural profile and responds to challenges in a slightly different manner. One of the most recognisable being the ‘shaper’ who uses the team dynamics to gain organizational improvements (Mindtools.com, 2011)

Works Cited

Gil, F. R. (2005). Change Oriented Leadership, satisfaction & performance in work groups. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 312-328.

Mindtools.com. (2011). Belbins Team Roles. Retrieved 6 17, 2011, from Mindtools.com: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_83.htm