Fourth Quarter 2012- Issue 10
At the End of the Day- “Being and Walking With The Troops”
As a leader who wants to be transformational and build a sustainable favorable leadership culture, being and walking with the troops is an authentic action that such a leader can consistently take. In Bernard Bass’ Full Range Leadership Model, the leadership style referred to as Transformational Leader has the following four components:
- Idealized Influence (Actions speak louder than words)
- Inspirational Motivation (Exciting the masses/sharing the Vision)
- Intellectual Stimulation (Thinking outside the box)
- Individualized Consideration (Being compassionate and developmental)
It is much easier to show the transformational leadership style when the leader walks among the troops. When the leader gets out of his/her office and physically visits the work locations throughout his/her national or other geographical footprint, the leader feels a connection to the troops. It gives the leader the opportunity to see the work the troops are doing, which is a source of pride for them. It gives them a chance to give the leader their perspective which often includes suggestions on how to make the business better. It provides the leader a platform to model the behavior that includes active listening, asking and allowing questions to be asked and to share or reiterate the vision, the direction the leader is taking the organization. In doing these things, the leader is creating an environment, a culture, where the people are motivated to be open and always striving to be the best they can be.
Many positive stories are often shared by the troops with the leader that illustrate tremendous teamwork– with a keen “eye” on efficiency and on the customer permeating the culture. It is this positive energy that allows the organization to deal from a position of strength, addressing the challenges and opportunities in a constructive and successful way. Walking among the troops also cultivates the relationships that are critical in establishing an environment where there is mutual respect with an understanding, valuing and caring for each other. Building these relationships internally provides the foundation to build and solidify cross-functional relationships externally as well. Through these relationships with others, partnerships are built and a spirit of teamwork serves as a catalyst for development and growth within the organization.
Yes, being and walking with the troops is invigorating for the leader and for the troops. Done in a consistent and sincere manner, all four components of Bernard Bass’ transformational leadership model can be achieved in the leader’s quest to build a sustainable favorable leadership culture.
–Mario Flores
Mario.Flores. All rights reserved. No part of these materials may be reproduced in any form without written permission.
