The Benefits of Transformational Leadership at HCPI
Halfway through my internship, I think it would be useful to reflect on another theory in action. After getting to know my boss and his work style, it has become clear to me that he embodies the idea of transformational leadership. The two aspects of transformational leadership that he has portrayed most in our interactions are intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration.
He has been intellectually stimulating for me by choosing when he feels it is best for him to teach me and then deciding when it is best for me to think through problems on my own. When I am working through problems by myself, I find myself constantly looking for more efficient ways to solve these problems. One example of this is the pricing analysis they have assigned me to do for their portfolio company. John has explained what they want accomplished and how to find the information to do this, but has let me take the lead on it and structure it the way I feel is best.
I noticed the individual consideration towards me after noticing how John interacts with the other intern in the office. He definitely handles our interactions differently as he is much more hands on with the other intern. I thought this was a great lesson in leadership; you have to manage people on a case by case basis. I can say that after working for a transformational type leader, I can fully appreciate the benefits of that style over transactional leadership. More so, I feel that in an internship environment, where the main goal is to learn as much as possible, having a supervisor that embodies a transformational style of leadership is essential.
Nice reflection. Thanks for providing concrete examples of behavior/actions that illustrate the concepts/theories you are discussing. Thanks also for specifically addressing two factors of transformational leadership in your discussion of your supervisor. It would be good for you to consider – in remaining time and after you finish – if the other factors were evident as well (inspirational motivation and idealized influence). Given you observation about the fact that he interacts differently with other interns, do you attribute that to the fact that he assesses your abilities differently than your colleagues? I presume that is your premise.