Transformational leadership is a leadership theory aimed at improving a leader’s effectiveness through inspiring and motivating other staff members, which in result provides a favorable environment to the members to new opportunities (Northouse, 2013). Transformational leadership is one of the most effective leadership theories as it focuses on the members and enables the members to develop leadership skills, which is an advantage to any organization in achieving the set goals and objectives (Northouse, 2013). Strengths of Transformational Leadership Transformational leadership motivates and provides members with opportunities to take leadership positions and responsibilities, which is a benefit to the management and the organization in achieving its vision (Northouse, 2013).
Transformational leadership improves communication between the leaders and subordinates due to the favorable environment created to encourage and motivate the members in taking leadership positions (Northouse, 2013). Good communication increases the trust level between the management and other subordinates and helps in resolving any issues that may cause conflicts in the organization (Northouse, 2013). Weaknesses of Transformational Leadership Transformational leadership incurs too many resources from the organization in providing opportunities for the members to take leadership positions and providing support to the members (Northouse, 2013). For transformational leadership to be effective, the organization must invest in time and training to all members, which will prepare the members in taking new responsibilities, which is a major cost on the organization (Northouse, 2013). This process might produce weak leaders as leadership largely relies on personality traits and not learning. Some leaders may take advantage of the leadership positions for their own benefits (Northouse, 2013).
Leader-Member Theory (LMX)
The leader member theory is a leadership theory, which focuses on the relationship between the leaders and their subordinates (Northouse, 2013). This theory states that a good relationship between the leaders and their subordinates will result in an improved performance. A good relationship increases the trust levels between the leaders and the staff members which is improves communication between them which is necessary in and important in team work to enable an organization in achieving its goals and objectives (Northouse, 2013). Strengths of the Leader Member Theory Due to the close relationship between members and their leaders, any weaknesses can be detected and strategies to address the weaknesses implemented which will ensure increased productivity (Northouse, 2013).
The leader member theory improves the communication process between the leaders and their subordinates who are also important in the decision-making process as the other group members are able to participate leading to more informed decisions (Northouse, 2013). Weaknesses of the Leader Member Theory With the equal treatment of all members, some members may not perform to their full ability since different members have different strengths (Northouse, 2013). If all members have the same resources, some may take advantage and mismanage the resources while others may have limited resources inn performing their duties (Northouse, 2013).
How Might Your Knowledge Of The LMX Theory Help You To Become A Better Leader?
Knowledge of the LMX theory will help a leader give each group member opportunities to improve their performance in their roles and responsibilities, which will improve the achievement of goals and objectives of an organization (Northouse, 2013). This theory will also enhance trust between the members in a group and their leader, which is an advantage in managing the group and in decision-making, which will ultimately improve communication leading to a more efficient group (Northouse, 2013).
References
- Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and practice. Los Angeles: Sage.
