Some of PWCs global leaders have collaborated on an excellent recent article online in Strategy+Business [CLICK HERE TO READ], which discusses the concept of transformative leadership in the context of the current era of profound change. It highlights five key differentiators of transformative leadership:
1. Making sense of the world: Transformative leaders understand the complex changes occurring globally and reimagine how their organizations can create value within this context. They engage diverse perspectives to develop a collective understanding of future challenges and opportunities.
2. Setting radical ambition: Leaders set ambitious goals that address significant problems, inspiring their organizations to undergo fundamental transformations to achieve them. They position their organizations as authors of their own stories rather than passive responders to external forces.
3. Achieving promised outcomes: Transformative leaders translate ambitious goals into specific, measurable outcomes, fostering commitment throughout the organization. They create structures and systems that enable the organization to surpass existing capabilities and deliver meaningful results.
4. Acting as a catalyst: Leaders catalyze collaboration across diverse ecosystems, bringing together different stakeholders to tackle complex challenges. They attract talent, define necessary capabilities, and create environments conducive to innovation and problem-solving.
5. Powering the engines: To sustain transformative efforts, leaders prioritize personal and organizational well-being. They cultivate environments of psychological safety, promote growth mindsets, and invest in strategies to maintain energy and resilience.
The article emphasizes that these principles are essential for leaders at all levels, from the C-suite to frontline positions, as organizations navigate ongoing transformation amid unprecedented challenges. It also suggests that while existing frameworks like transformational leadership offer valuable insights, they may not fully address the complexities of today’s environment, necessitating a focus on these five differentiators of transformative leadership.