Transactional Vs. Transformational Leadership

Transactional leaders are usually primarily focused on the task ahead and implementing structure and short term goals to get the task accomplished. They generally have a give and take relationship with their followers, yet take on a more authoritative supervisor role. On the other hand, transformational leaders create a long-term vision, aligning their company and follower’s goals with their own, so they can all see eye to eye and work together. Transformational leaders are inspirational and want to create positive change. They motivate their followers because they seek to relate to them and build them up to achieve greatness.

I know many transactional leaders in my work and school life; they guide me to get the work done and help me to accomplish short-term goals. However, the leaders that have made a lasting impression on me have done so by really understanding me as well as my goals. One transformational leader who has changed the way I view leadership is Jolly, who was my student mentor in the HTM program. It was really easy to connect with Jolly because we both are the same age and have similar friends, hobbies, and goals. He was genuine from the beginning so I was able to open up to Jolly right away, and in turn, he was able to see my weaknesses and help me where I needed it. He guided me exponentially with my school, professional, and personal life and motivated me to step outside my comfort zone, but always encouraged me to stay true to myself. He is such a fun-loving, relatable person with clear goals and dreams, which made him a great role model for me, especially because he had already gone through the things I was struggling with. Through our mentorship, Jolly changed my views on leadership and inspired me to want to help others grow, just as he did for me.