In his book Leadership, Richard Couto goes into detail about transformational leadership. In particular, he claims that it could be impossible to be an effective transformational leader on a small scale. I disagree with this claim; he argues that the examples of transformational leadership (MLK, Susan B. Anthony, etc.) are too far out of reach of ordinary people. If we use Bass’s simple definition of transformational leadership, I could see how it could be applied in smaller scale settings and still be effective. Dr. Bezio described transformational leadership as a “positive feedback loop” where leaders and followers push themselves to higher motivation and morality. I don’t think it’s a stretch to see this in an office setting. In fact, I think transformational leadership is in itself effective.
STU Online explores how transactional leadership can lead to results. More specifically, it describes how the inherent structure of transactional leadership leads to results. I found two of the examples especially interesting. Norman Schwarzkopf was a leader in the military during the Vietnam War, and even though he was wounded twice during the conflict, he was able to use the rigid structure of the military to maintain a successful unit. Vince Lombardi was also mentioned, recounting how his Green Bay Packers would run the same plays over and over, and he still had success when his opponents knew which plays he would run.
I’m really happy that you also disagreed with that point! I feel like way more characteristics are teachable than we think. I mean, Prof. Bezio said in class that even empathy can be learned and unlearned–I feel like if that can be taught… the sky is kinda the limit. Not to mention that there are workshops (mentioned in last reading) that teach people how to be more transformational.
I disagree with this point as well, and this that he isn’t really looking at all types of leaders. For example, I think a teacher could be a transformational leader for someone and push their student to be better and change their motivations.
I am really happy that you disagreed with the article. I really liked your example of Vince Lombardi as your example for how transactional leadership can lead to more results but on a smaller scale, it is much more effective. He used transactional leadership in a team setting to evoke success.
I think that you make a compelling argument as to why you disagree and it made me think a lot about the effectiveness of transactional leadership in comparison to transformational.
I really liked the examples that you used of small scale transactional leadership. This concept of a leader or captain on a team was the way that I initially thought transactional leadership. The examples also show how effective transactional leadership can be.