Many people may wonder how an exceptional leader is being characterized. It was Aristotle who ones opined that any meaningful discussion must begin with a definition and so we must first define the term exceptional before looking at what exceptional leadership is. "Better than average: superb," according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary online (2010). When we combine the words exceptional and leader, we get a person who is not only dominating and influential, but also goes above and beyond what is expected of a leader. As a result, an exceptional leader will not only display many of the qualities of an average leader, but will also develop additional attributes that will distinguish them as exceptional.
Several researchers have researched and established leadership styles that highlight crucial leadership attributes. Laissez-faire, autocratic, participatory, situational, emergent, transactional, transformational, strategic, team, and facilitative leadership are among these types. Despite the fact that these leadership styles are distinctive and include admirable qualities, many of them fall short of being classified as exceptional leadership styles due to a lack of exceptional leadership attributes.
Only one leadership style demonstrates the qualities that distinguish it as outstanding. The transformational leadership style is a type of leadership that demonstrates remarkable leadership qualities. Helping followers look beyond their own self-interests, moral and ethical integrity, setting goals and communicating a clear vision, and empowering followers are all attributes that distinguish a transformational leader.
Through intellectual stimulation, the transformational leader seeks to empower their people. This stimulation is frequently achieved by empowering and intellectually challenging followers to take charge(Riggio & Orr, 2004, p. 51).
A transformational leader pushes his or her people to be more creative and solve difficulties on their own. The transformational leader assists the follower in developing their leadership skills through the empowerment process. The goal of the transformational leader and follower relationship is for the follower to eventually become the leader.
Transformational leaders recognize each of their follower’s cognitive abilities and they try to develop those abilities through added responsibilities. The follower recognizes the added responsibility as being a valued part of the team. Allowing the follower to develop their self-esteem and defining their place in certain ways that will not only enrich the follower but make them transformational leaders as well.
Bobby Ekpenyong, the Director General of Cross River State Waterways Agency is a prime example of a Transformational LEADER. He has his eyes set on changing the narratives, doing the unusual thing to achieve an unusual result in an unusual manner to usher in an unusual progress that promotes humanity.
Hon. Bobby has shown tact in his dealings in all the positions he has handled including the one he is currently doing exploits at. He is one person that doesn't believe in stagnation or impossibilities, he goes all out to make sure things are done the way they should and in record time.
Hon. Bobby is a man to beat when it comes to achieving set goals and setting standards for others to follow.
A stand for Hon. Bobby Effiom is a stand for non-negotiable progress, a stand for unmatched transformation and unlimited expansion.
Atah Kekong
Media consultant and DG New Era Political Movement
Cross River State Chapter
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