TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP A Practical Application Dr Thelma van der Merwe Nursing Saudiization Department KFSH&RC October 2004

Guiding Question: How could transformational leadership be implemented within an organisation?

OBJECTIVES Define transformational leadership Assess transformational leadership theory Analyse characteristics of transformational leaders Analyse competencies needed for transformational leadership Analyse a transformational leadership case study

DEFINITIONS A leadership style focused on effecting revolutionary change in organisations through a commitment to the organisation’s vision (Sullivan & Decker, 2001)

DEFINITIONS CONT… Transformational leaders have the ability to clearly articulate a vision of the future… They are the myth-makers, the storytellers They capture our imagination with the vivid descriptions of the wonderful future we will build together (Trofino, 1992)

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORY Why transformational leadership? Nurture employees Build & facilitate nursing leadership in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Respond current nursing shortages

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORY CONT… Future nurse leaders - change from command & control - reduce excessive policies & rituals - share the power are not concerned with status quo bring revolutionary change in organisations & humans

CHARACTERISTICS Leaders & followers raise one another to higher levels of motivation and morality Empowering others to achieve a shared vision – transforms both Appeal to individuals to better themselves

CHARACTERISTICS CONT… Fosters followers inborn desires for higher values, morals, humanitarian ideals Moves individuals beyond transactions & interpersonal exchanges to perform beyond basic expectations Uses power to instill a belief followers can do exceptional things

CHARACTERISTICS CONT… Commit people to action Convert followers into leaders Convert leaders into change agents, innovators Are courageous

CHARACTERISTICS CONT… Believe in people Are value driven Are lifelong learners Can deal with complexity

DIMENSIONS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP The four ‘I’s’ Idealised influence (charisma): - follower admiration & respect, - risk sharing - consideration for follower needs - ethical & moral conduct (trust)

DIMENSIONS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONT… Inspirational motivation - meaning & challenge to work Intellectual stimulation - creative problem solving Individualised consideration - listening, praising (Bass & Avolio, 1994)

LEADERSHIP COMMITMENTS Search for opportunities to change/ grow Experiment Shared uplifting vision Inform & share power Individualize projects

LEADERSHIP COMMITMENTS CONT… Involve team Commit Harness individual potential Facilitate conditions for knowledge based workers Celebrate achievements

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE Central to achievement of organisational goals Emerged from management by objectives & strategic planning A vision is an opportunity to rethink: ‘where are we now’ & ‘where do we want to be’

A SUCCESSFUL VISION Pre-requisites - must make sense to the staff - powerful to excite, motivate & generate commitment - emphasise what may be - clarify what should be

A SUCCESSFUL VISION CONT… First stage - uniqueness of group - true priorities for next year - why would I commit for next 1-5 years? - what achievements will make us proud?

SUCCESSFUL VISION CONT… Second stage Internal & external needs analysis Identify factors team must achieve to remain viable & productive & develop Formal tools - SWOT analysis - Delphi research technique (MacKenzie, 1998)

ELEMENTS OF TRUST Commitment - make decisions on what is right rather than self-interest - commit to something more than self

ELEMENTS OF TRUST Familiarity Personal responsibility - When we know someone/ or something well enough - Personal relationships - Trust based on how we are treated Personal responsibility - Take responsibility for actions

ELEMENTS OF TRUST CONT… Integrity - Honesty - Self-awareness know you who you are - Lack of self-confidence indicates criticize others do most of talking decisions on what boss wants worry who gets credit

ELEMENTS OF TRUST CONT… Consistency - walk the talk - predictability of behaviour Communication - open communication - unwilling to deal with sensitive/difficult issues - share perceptions & listen

ELEMENTS OF TRUST CONT… Forgiveness & reconciliation Essence of trust - spiritual & requires faith - what is acceptable when we are at home versus at work (Annison & Wilford, 1998)

FIVE PRACTICES OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP EACH PRACTICE CAN BE TESTED, LEARNED & TAUGHT

Leadership Practices Inventory Challenge the process Inspire a shared vision Enable others to act Model the way Encourage the heart (Kouzes & Posner, 1988)

COMPETENCIES FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP Management of Attention - having a vision - outcomes/goals Management of Trust

COMPETENCIES FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONT… Management of Meaning - creating a social culture, know expectations - bonding Management of Self - know one’s own skills & lack thereof - professional development

Case Study…transformational leadership in action Implementation in the Nursing Saudization Department

Steps in Transformational Process Clarify responsibility & accountability Identify & agree on responsibilities in Department Continuous consultation & support of staff Continuous update & feedback

Steps in Transformational Process Two Saudi Clinical Educators, one Western Education Coordinator Ongoing evaluations Acknowledgement Celebration of achievements Satisfied Saudi & non-Saudi nurses Protection & motivation of staff in Department: improved quality of nursing practice

SUMMARY Transformational values & competencies are critical to support leadership in KSA & world wide Current Saudi nursing workforce is young & oftentimes inexperienced Without competent leaders, the workforce relies heavily on expatriates

SUMMARY cont… It is thus imperative that senior managers and leaders including nurses, mentor Saudi nurses into positions of leadership.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT To all the nurses who continuously inspire me to leave a legacy To all my Saudi nurses To all my mentors & educators Shukran!!