In my line of work, I often coach leaders who feel they are the only person trying to move their organization or department forward in a meaningful way. We talk about transformational leadership, which focuses on inspiring a sense of purpose and personal growth to accelerate performance and results. But one question that often comes up with my clients is whether this kind of inspirational leadership can work in a culture that’s more focused on prioritizing efficiency and sticking to the status quo.
In other words, can you succeed as a transformational leader in a transactional culture?
The Challenge: Inspiration vs. Efficiency
Any best-selling leadership book will likely include a case study of a transformational leader who motivated employees to go above and beyond their daily responsibilities and perceived abilities. But in reality, there's a tension that exists between being a visionary leader and operating in a culture that values ticking boxes, counting widgets, and following established procedures. Particularly if that’s what is measured and rewarded.
Transformational leaders are looking to the future, sparking innovation, and believing in people's potential. Conversely, transactional cultures are focused on efficiency and achieving specific goals while adhering to established procedures and relying on tried-and-true reward systems to ensure tasks get done. The friction caused by the difference in these philosophies means that trying to inject transformational leadership into a transactional environment often feels like swimming against the current.
Leaders seeking transformation may find employees are resistant to change, especially if it disrupts familiar workflow routines or reward systems. They may find it difficult to gain buy-in for transformative ideas that seem risky or require an investment of time and resources, like rolling out a new flexible work initiative or creating a new product. Because let’s be honest, as humans we like to conserve our energy!
As a Ted Lasso superfan, I can’t help but think of Ted arriving in England with his unwavering belief in optimism and potential, only to confront a team entrenched in a “this is how we’ve always done it” mindset. Yet despite these challenges – as Ted quickly discovers – the rewards and outcomes of leading transformation at a transactional organization can be significant.
Transformational leaders have the potential to create a more engaged and motivated workforce, which can lead to increased innovation, productivity, and ultimately, organizational success.
But, it’s not for the faint of heart. Here are some strategies for embracing transformational leadership in a transactional setting:
Lead within your boundaries
First, understand your sphere of influence and focus on influencing others within that sphere. Identify areas where you have direct oversight and can implement change immediately. This might be your team structure, communication methods, or even minor changes to how work gets done. And while starting small can feel frustrating, I liken it to knocking over the first domino and then watching the change spread over time. Transformational leadership is a long game.
Second, align your vision with the organization’s existing goals. Imagine a leader who wants to create a more robust internal talent pool through enhanced training programs, but who is butting up against the idea that training will cut into production time. In this case, the leader could focus on how the new training would enhance quality control, streamline processes, and decrease turnover due to greater employee morale – all things that align with the transactional goals of reducing costs and increasing efficiency while at the same time solving some of their colleagues' pain points.
Finally, the ability to coach and mentor others is a powerful tool to help you extend your influence. I think of this in terms of the old proverb about giving someone a fish versus teaching them to fish. Empowering your team members to take ownership of their work and encouraging them to embrace new approaches to work fosters a psychologically safe environment ripe for innovation. In addition, you are architecting a network of future transformational leaders who are potential allies and can help champion your vision down the road.
Communicate your vision
Another critical element of being a transformational leader within a transactional culture is knowing how to effectively communicate your vision.
Know your audience. If you’re in the minority as a transformational leader, try connecting your idea to the organization's current goals instead of presenting it as a radical departure from the existing system.
In essence, listen to where your colleagues’ frustrations lie and use their language and words to connect your ideas to their needs.
Use data where you can. Transactional environments often deal in things you can measure, so using metrics to support your idea helps establish both your credibility and the viability of your vision.
Lead by example. Actions speak louder than words, so demonstrating the benefits of your vision through your own work and decision-making shows people what’s possible and inspires them to get on board with your idea. When colleagues start seeking your counsel on how to lead, you know you’re making progress.
Balance your leadership style
Transformational leaders should also know when to recognize the value of transactional leadership. Sometimes a direct, transactional approach is the most effective way to achieve a specific goal. After all, a vision without progress is just a dream. The key is learning to adapt and balance your leadership style to the situation and needs of the organization.
Celebrate your wins
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your wins, even the small ones. And don’t be shy when it comes to thanking those who were part of the win! Recognition is a powerful reinforcement of behavior for those being recognized and those on the sidelines observing.
Transformation isn’t an overnight process – especially if you’re trying to achieve it in a culture that doesn’t welcome it – and even small changes can have a wide ripple effect. Acknowledging and celebrating achievements along the path to your vision reinforces a sense of progress and momentum, which can help keep your team (and you!) motivated and engaged.
The bottom line
While being a transformational leader in a transactional culture presents significant challenges, the potential rewards are equally significant. Once you understand the tension between these leadership styles, you become better able to navigate it and your odds of succeeding as a catalyst for positive change in your organization increase exponentially. I’m rooting for you!
Interested in learning more about building human workplaces? Send me a note at Katherine@worksproutpartners.com.
Comments