Unit V CS PFL

Psychological Foundations of Leadership 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit V

Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

5. Differentiate leadership styles. 5.1 Contrast transformational and charismatic leadership. 5.2 Distinguish leadership styles in a scenario. 5.3 Apply creativity and innovation to the efficacy of leadership styles.

Course/Unit Learning Outcomes

Learning Activity

5.1 Unit Lesson Chapter 3 Unit V Case Study

5.2 Unit Lesson Chapter 3 Unit V Case Study

5.3

Unit Lesson Chapter 3 Chapter 11 Unit V Case Study

Required Unit Resources

Chapter 3: Charismatic and Transformational Leadership

Chapter 11: Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership

Unit Lesson

Introduction

Welcome to Unit V! As we continue our journey in exploration of the psychological foundations of leadership, we will now turn our attention toward how to differentiate leadership styles. At first thought, you may think, leadership is leadership, right? However, as we have previously examined, there are a host of different leadership styles. For the purpose of this lesson, we will examine the charismatic and transformational leadership styles in action and offer anecdotal situations to consider, further propelling you to critical thought as related to both your experience in future situations that you will encounter where these time-proven styles can and will deliver needed organizational change.

First, we will explore the multiple dimensions of charismatic leadership. Second, we will learn about the purpose and power of transformational leadership. Finally, we will investigate how creative thinking and innovation are critical components for both of these styles.

Charismatic Leadership

What is charismatic leadership? As defined by DuBrin (2019), it is the power to influence based upon positive and compelling qualities that fervently inspire followership. Who are some of the charismatic leaders of recent time? Perhaps, former president Barack Obama is an individual to be known for his charisma based upon his ability to unite and inspire people around a unified cause. After years of international conflicts, a depressed economy, tensions among people of many races and cultures, Obama’s message was clear; welcome to a

UNIT V STUDY GUIDE Leadership Styles

Psychological Foundations of Leadership 2

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

better tomorrow based upon the vision afforded by broad-based change. His words clearly offered aspiration and inspiration that captured the feelings of the American people by relating values critical to all (Northouse, 2018). He used the power of persuasion supported by personal and moral credibility with a clear effort to appeal to what was most important to the masses. To greater extent, his successes were based upon leveraging his personal charisma toward building relationships grounded in positivity. At the heart of his strategy was a focus on forging relationships strongly embedded with respect, faith, and mutual consideration. During his two-term presidency, Obama carefully crafted high levels of interdependency with followers. His charismatic leadership style was further bolstered by his ability to deploy the contingency theory, capturing the needs and delivering what was needed. During President Obama’s tenure, he led efforts collaboratively with his staff to enable the capture and death of perhaps one of the world’s most notorious terrorists, Osama Bin Laden, in May of 2011. In live news coverage with the American people from the White House, his message delivered great comfort to the hundreds of thousands who suffered loss, bringing to a consummate closure the days of terror that were led and inspired by this individual. President Obama delivered upon what he had promised, supported by charisma in both words and action.

Transformational Leadership

We now turn our focus to transformational leadership. In following prior thought, what is transformational leadership? DuBrin (2019) posits this style is marked by the abilities of an individual to deliver initiatives that enable significant change. However, by doing so, the individual still maintains a sense of interdependency as marked by charismatic leadership. Who, then, is a transformational leader of our time? Perhaps the late Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple Inc. comes to mind. From his really humble beginnings working with Apple computers, Jobs progressively rose to become one of the greatest catalysts of change in history. Consider the effect that Jobs had and still has upon life as we know it. Do you have a MacBook or an iPhone? Long gone are the days of using a typewriter or a desktop computer that would occupy the surface of a large table. No longer are there steadfast requirements for employees or students to work in confined spaces with limitations. This is, in fact, transformation.

Leadership Styles

Let’s now consider how creativity and innovation are critical components of both of these leadership styles. DuBrin (2019) asserts that creative leaders require knowledge, cognitive abilities, personality, and a passion for the task. As we reflect upon President Obama and Steve Jobs, it is clear that both individuals possessed the skills and acumen, further supported by a driven personality and passion for achieving the visions that both possessed. For example, Obama led diligent efforts toward transforming the nature of public education in the United States. He challenged educators to think beyond the administration of testing their individual nature, their culture, and the communities where they live. This inspiration led to significant change that still drives impact in the classroom today. Then, Steve Jobs had a vision, one of which concerned how computing via enhanced technologies would change the world as we know it. In concert with the creation and development of the internet, Jobs developed devices unfamiliar to the masses—instruments that would drive change through demonstrated creative thinking—rich in concepts beyond our wildest imagination.

Psychological Foundations of Leadership 3

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Summary

This lesson has examined charismatic and transformational leadership, and both styles were connected to well-known leaders of our time. In addition, we examine how creative thinking and the power of innovation support these styles exhibited by each of the leaders. Returning to considering the foundations of psychological leadership, we hopefully see clear evidence of each in direct application. Charisma enables leadership to deliver a vision, and transformation supports needed change. As you proceed in your educational journey, how will you benchmark these leaders? What personal skills and traits do you possess that are aligned to President Obama and Steve Jobs? Both individuals came from humble beginnings to positions of power that have effectively changed the world over the past 25 years.

References

DuBrin, A. J. (2019). Leadership: Research findings, practice, and skills (9th ed.). Cengage Learning. https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780357382837

Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.). SAGE.