TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

A Practical Application

Dr Thelma van der Merwe

Nursing Saudiization Department KFSH&RC October 2004

Guiding Question:

How could transformational leadership be implemented within an organisation?

OBJECTIVES
Define transformational leadership
Assess transformational leadership theory Analyse characteristics of transformational leaders Analyse competencies needed for transformational leadership Analyse a transformational leadership case study

DEFINITIONS
A leadership style focused on effecting revolutionary change in organisations through a commitment to the organisations vision
(Sullivan & Decker, 2001)

DEFINITIONS CONT
Transformational leaders have the ability to clearly articulate a vision of the future They are the myth-makers, the storytellers They capture our imagination with the vivid descriptions of the wonderful future we will build together
(Trofino, 1992)

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORY Why transformational leadership?

Nurture employees Build & facilitate nursing leadership in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Respond current nursing shortages

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORY CONT

Future nurse leaders - change from command & control - reduce excessive policies & rituals - share the power
are not concerned with status quo bring revolutionary change in organisations & humans

CHARACTERISTICS
Leaders & followers raise one another to higher levels of motivation and morality Empowering others to achieve a shared vision transforms both Appeal to individuals to better themselves

CHARACTERISTICS CONT
Fosters followers inborn desires for higher values, morals, humanitarian ideals
Moves individuals beyond transactions & interpersonal exchanges to perform beyond basic expectations Uses power to instill a belief followers can do exceptional things

CHARACTERISTICS CONT
Commit people to action
Convert followers into leaders Convert leaders into change agents, innovators Are courageous

CHARACTERISTICS CONT
Believe in people Are value driven Are lifelong learners

Can deal with complexity

DIMENSIONS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP The four Is

Idealised influence (charisma): - follower admiration & respect,
- risk sharing - consideration for follower needs - ethical & moral conduct (trust)

DIMENSIONS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONT

Inspirational motivation
- meaning & challenge to work

Intellectual stimulation - creative problem solving Individualised consideration

- listening, praising
(Bass & Avolio, 1994)

LEADERSHIP COMMITMENTS
Search for opportunities to change/ grow
Experiment Shared uplifting vision Inform & share power Individualize projects

LEADERSHIP COMMITMENTS CONT

Involve team
Commit

Harness individual potential

Facilitate conditions for knowledge

based workers
Celebrate achievements

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE

Central to achievement of organisational goals
Emerged from management by objectives & strategic planning A vision is an opportunity to rethink: where are we now & where do we want to be

A SUCCESSFUL VISION
Pre-requisites
- must make sense to the staff - powerful to excite, motivate & generate commitment - emphasise what may be - clarify what should be

A SUCCESSFUL VISION CONT

First stage
- uniqueness of group - true priorities for next year - why would I commit for next 1-5 years? - what achievements will make us proud?

SUCCESSFUL VISION CONT

Second stage
- Internal & external needs analysis - Identify factors team must achieve to remain viable & productive & develop Formal tools - SWOT analysis - Delphi research technique
(MacKenzie, 1998)

ELEMENTS OF TRUST
Commitment
- make decisions on what is right rather
than self-interest - commit to something more than self

ELEMENTS OF TRUST
Familiarity
- When we know someone/ or something well enough - Personal relationships - Trust based on how we are treated

Personal responsibility
- Take responsibility for actions

ELEMENTS OF TRUST CONT

Integrity - Honesty
- Self-awareness know you who you are - Lack of self-confidence indicates criticize others do most of talking decisions on what boss wants worry who gets credit

ELEMENTS OF TRUST CONT

Consistency
- walk the talk - predictability of behaviour Communication - open communication - unwilling to deal with sensitive/difficult issues - share perceptions & listen

ELEMENTS OF TRUST CONT

Forgiveness & reconciliation Essence of trust - spiritual & requires faith - what is acceptable when we are at home versus at work
(Annison & Wilford, 1998)

FIVE PRACTICES OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

EACH PRACTICE CAN BE TESTED, LEARNED & TAUGHT

Leadership Practices Inventory

Challenge the process

Inspire a shared vision Enable others to act Model the way Encourage the heart
(Kouzes & Posner, 1988)

COMPETENCIES FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Management of Attention - having a vision - outcomes/goals

Management of Trust

COMPETENCIES FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONT

Management of Meaning
- creating a social culture, know expectations - bonding

Management of Self - know ones own skills & lack thereof

- professional development

Case Studytransformational leadership in action

Implementation
in the

Nursing Saudization Department

Steps in Transformational Process

Clarify responsibility & accountability Identify & agree on responsibilities in Department Continuous consultation & support of staff Continuous update & feedback

Steps in Transformational Process

Two Saudi Clinical Educators, one Western Education Coordinator Ongoing evaluations Acknowledgement Celebration of achievements Satisfied Saudi & non-Saudi nurses Protection & motivation of staff in Department: improved quality of nursing practice

SUMMARY
Transformational values & competencies are critical to support leadership in KSA & world wide Current Saudi nursing workforce is young & oftentimes inexperienced Without competent leaders, the workforce relies heavily on expatriates

SUMMARY cont
It is thus imperative that senior managers and leaders including nurses, mentor Saudi nurses into positions of leadership.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To all the nurses who continuously inspire me to leave a legacy To all my Saudi nurses To all my mentors & educators

Shukran!!