Reflection #3 – Theories in Action (Transformational Leadership)

A leadership theory that I have seen at AlphaSights is the transformational leadership theory.  One way I have seen this theory come into play is through meetings I have had with my trainer and manager.  At AlphaSights, there are so many aspects of the process of research, cold calling, etc., and once you get the hang of this process, it can almost feel like you’re going through the motions or doing it just to reach your hurdle.  So, in meetings with both of my trainers, they have highlighted that because it is so easy to just go through the motions, they often forget about the main purpose of this process, which is delivering top tier advisors and knowledge for our committed clients.  It’s easy to let this main purpose get lost in the cracks sometimes, but I now often take a step back when I am going through my daily tasks and do my job with a purpose in mind instead of simply going through the motions, which allows me to be more motivated and reach my fullest potential as a Summer Associate.  My trainer and manager have exemplified inspirational motivation as they emphasize this shared vision, communicate these expectations of delivering for our client, and push me to achieve in the interest of the company and our goals.  They also enact individualized consideration as they give me personalized and supportive attention so I can be the best Summer Associate I can be.  With these meetings, my trainer and manager in turn remember the goals of the company and the purpose of their jobs, as that sometimes gets lost in the cracks for them as well.

Another way I have seen transformational leadership at AlphaSights is through motivating speeches that our CEO has given to the company.  In these speeches, he harks on AlphaSights’ values of drive, adaptability, humility, emotional intelligence, and being results-oriented.  Though I haven’t had one on one communication with my CEO, I feel that he enacts these qualities every day around the office, and it is evident in the success of the company and his demeanor as a CEO. He enacts idealized influence as he is a role model to all employees and influences us to value what he values and share the same vision that he has for the company. Also, he exemplifies intellectual stimulation by challenging traditional stereotypes of a workplace and encouraging new ways of working more effectively and efficiently by reminding us to always work with drive, adaptability, humility, emotional intelligence, and a results-oriented and growth mindset. In turn, the CEO is motivated by our hard work and success as a cohort of driven and passionate young individuals.