Many leaders have traits in common, like being smart—both intellectually and people smart. Being a driven achiever is another common trait you see in leaders. However, there is a difference between a leader and a transformational leader.

“Organizations led by transformational leaders are winning the game in business and the war for talent and are growing great returns,” said Scott Wedel, Chief Operating Officer, Career1Source. “I refer to transformational leaders as being ‘humble CEDARs’”.

It may be a unique qualifier, but “humble CEDARs” have several qualities that make them stand out as leaders. The “humble” part of Wedel’s description needs no explanation.

“These leaders have no outward ego or arrogance and are courteous and respectful to everyone,” he said.

The CEDAR acronym stands for:

• Clarity and vision communicated often and well
• Empower and trust their team to achieve
• Definition of their company’s core values and live them every day
• Adapt easily with changing business and team variables
• Resilient in moving the organization to higher levels of performance

“There’s a significant difference between a leader and a transformational leader,” Wedel said. “If a leader is backing up what they’re saying by actually doing it, it builds the company culture so everyone is rowing in the same direction.”

Transformational leaders look for opportunities in the challenges presented by needing to adapt. It isn’t easy being a leader, much less a transformational leader, and Wedel observes that the loneliness leaders feel at the top is real.

“Someone who’s resilient will find a way to win, even if they get knocked down,” he said. “They keep pushing the company forward and don’t settle. For achievers, that’s naturally who they are, so they keep raising the bar, being innovative and thinking about new solutions.”    

Transformational leaders ensure that their teams have the right people in the right roles and communicate their vision of the organization—that’s what sets them up to achieve more than other leaders. However, transformational leadership goes beyond being a high-achieving individual, according to Wedel.

“It’s hard to be a transformational leader if someone is only out for themselves,” he said. “Everybody has their own desires, but transformational leaders have a passion or mission that goes beyond themselves. They’re working toward a higher purpose.”

To reach out to Scott Wedel, COO of Integra Partners, you can find his contact information HERE.