Lecture on Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership

Introduction

• Focus on two leadership styles: transactional and transformational.
• Based on Johnson and Hackman's book on leadership.
• Context of related videos on leadership traits, transformational leadership, and transactional leadership.

Transactional Leadership

• Originated from James McGregor Burns, using Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
• Transactional leaders focus on fulfilling followers' lower-level needs (psychological, safety, belonging).
  • Contingent Reward: Rewards tied to good performance.
  • Management by Exception: Punishment or corrective action for poor performance.
• Leaders exchange rewards for good performance and may withhold them for poor performance.

Examples of Transactional Leaders

• Bill Belichick: Known for rewarding good performance and penalizing bad performance.
  • Philosophy: "Do your job".
• Magneto (X-Men): Task-oriented, focused on accomplishing goals.
• Johnny Lawrence (Cobra Kai): Provides safety and belonging; punishes poor performance.

Transformational Leadership

• Engages followers on all levels of Maslow's hierarchy, including esteem and self-actualization.
• Aims to empower followers, fostering self-worth and competence.

Examples of Transformational Leaders

• Anne Hathaway (The Intern): Young CEO with vision, invests in personal relationships.
• Professor X (X-Men): Cultivates students' gifts, supports comprehensive development.
• Daniel LaRusso (Cobra Kai): Emphasizes balance in life, invests in students' holistic development.

Key Characteristics of Transformational Leaders

1. Creative: Think outside the box.
2. Interactive: Engage with followers.
3. Visionary: Have a clear and inspiring vision.
4. Empowering: Allow followers room to grow.
5. Passionate: Display genuine excitement.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Transactional Leadership

• Advantages: Clear structure, achievable goals, straightforward motivation, efficiency.
• Disadvantages: Inflexibility, lack of inspiration, limits follower engagement.

Transformational Leadership

• Advantages: Taps into higher-level needs, empowers and develops the whole person, transformative results.
• Disadvantages: Complexity, difficulty in teaching, potential for charisma abuse.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to reflect on personal leadership style preference.
• Invitation for comments and discussion.