James MacGregor Burns is an incredibly smart man, watching and listening to his knowledge and experience of leadership enhanced my comprehension of transformational and transactional leadership immensely. Mr. Burns describes leadership by using examples of people who have previously held leadership titles. These examples include military leaders and leaders who have had leadership power over thousands of people, such as former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The examples used by Mr. Burns expanded my understanding by knowing what followers will expect of me, as well as how followers may make me feel. Mr. Burns described how being a transformational leader can be conflict ridden and a great transformational leader will make enemies along the way (University of Richmond, 2010). He gave the example of how FDR expressed how knew people would be upset with him and he was determined to not let it affect his leadership style.
Transactional Leadership
Transactional leaders are focused on order and structure, their followers should be self- motivated and work well in a controlled environment, this is to promote intended change. Transactional leadership occurs when a leader offers followers rewards for performing over expectations (Northouse, 2018). These rewards can come in the forms of promotions, bonuses, or other perks. Mr. Burns described this form of leadership as a “brokerage” (University of Richmond, 2010). Transactional leadership is different from transformational relationship by using a negative-positive reinforcement approach, whereas transformational is geared by motivation.
According to Mr. Burns transformational leadership produces lasting change. Mr. Burns gave an example of lasting change when he discussed the Social Security Act implemented by FDR (University of Richmond, 2010). This act executed by FDR has a lasting effect long after FDR was no longer in a leadership position. Transformational leaders desire their followers to reach their full potential, so they are typically attentive. Transformational leadership transforms individuals, this is done through support, reassurance, encouragement, and inspiration. Through these qualities motivation and morale is increased by both the leader and the follower.
Leadership Goals
Mr. Burns gave some insightful information when discussing leadership and what it takes to be a great leader. Mr. Burns is a pioneer in leadership, I plan to take advice from his work and apply it to my future endeavors as a leader. One piece of advice that particularly stood out to me is, “A great leader creates more leaders, gives responsibility to his or her followers, recognition, authority, and power” (University of Richmond, 2010). I plan to use this guidance by expanding the roles of my future followers by giving them more responsibility and headship so that they develop the courage to feel in control of their work environment and feel secure in their role to continue to grow. Another piece of advice given by Mr. Burns that will be beneficial to my leadership role is, “leadership is followership, and followership is leadership” (University of Richmond, 2010). This says to me that as a leader I must be able to not only guide my followers remarkably but also be willing to learn from, listen to, and, understand my followers.
Conclusion
As a future leader I want to create lasting change, in order to do this, I will use qualities I have learned about transformational leadership. Transformational leadership means being willing to be a motivator, observant to the needs of the followers around, and continuously raising integrity in not only followers but in oneself as well.