How do I motivate my team and get them to see and work for the same vision I have in mind ? There are a lot of leadership styles and advices out there waiting to be employed – I chose the transformational approach by J.M. Burns evoking trust, respect, loyalty and admiration for the leader in the team.

I would like them to perceive me as a role model and trust my decisions. I would like them to see the same goal before their eyes as me and act in order to accomplish this goal. So, what can I do to become a transformational leader?

J.M. Burns said in 1978 that as a leader I have to:

– act as a role model and live my goals, values and believes. I have to be authentic.
– set clear goals for the team. I have to make sure that those goals are achievable and cherish the moments of success with the team. I will show pride for the work accomplished in order to motivate even more.
– offer all needed ressources for the accomplishments of the goals so that the team can work independently and autonomously. Ressources include material and time but also knowledge.

– create fair rules within the organisation. Everyone can participate and nobody is at an advantage. The organisation is open, transparent and inspires trust.
– explain clearly what is expected of the team and what will happen if the expected is not accomplished. The team is responsible for the task and the fulfilment.
– act and take decisions always based upon the chances, risks and the consequences for the whole organisation. It is business oriented.

A good leader listens to the team with an open mind and is curious about the proposals for improvements. Mihály Csíkszentmihályi found out in several studies that a good leader is often characterised by ambition, integrity, optimism and energy.