Written by Tosin Badeniyi
The first idea I took to the market was a magazine titled “Influence.” Although I did not continue producing the magazine after publishing two editions and getting a graduate assistantship position at the university where I completed my undergraduate degree, I have not forgotten why I came up with the idea id est to influence others. Influencing others is what transformational leadership is all about. No matter who you are and whatever your profession may be, you can influence others and be a type of leader that leads effectively and create a positive change in those who follow you.
My own profession offers me the opportunity to influence others through my teaching, research and community development initiatives.
The following eight principles based on the "Belief System" developed by Professor Emeritus R. Mason Bunker have provided fundamental structure over the years for me as a leader and learner. They help me work toward excellence as someone who is passionate about teaching, research and community development. The eight principles of transformational leadership which you too should follow are;
- Growth is developmental and requires time and patience. We are the agents of our growth.
- Leaders must focus on strengths and use positive feedback to help followers grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Critical thinking helps my followers (including students) internalize learning.
- Structure and shared decision making are significant to the learning process.
- Success stimulates further success.
- Leaders must strive to meet followers needs and be keenly aware of social, emotional, and physical variables that affect learning processes.
- Leaders and followers must value diversity and seek unity in a multicultural nation.
- All leaders must seek continuous renewal and growth.
As wonderful as Professor Emeritus R. Mason Bunker’s eight principles based on the “Belief System” is, service to others, the bedrock of transformational leadership and influence was not emphasized. Thankfully, the Greatest Leader and Wisest Man that ever lived had shown that the best way to lead is by serving.
Jesus Christ said: “You know that those that are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many.”
“Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.” John C. Maxwell
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