Give an example of a transformational leadership behavior and its typical effect on teams.

• A. Autocratic micromanagement; reduces motivation.
• B. Punitive discipline; increases fear but not performance.
• C. Inspirational motivation and individualized consideration; enhances motivation, cohesion, and performance.
• D. Passive indifference; decreases cohesion.

Answer: (C)

Transformational leadership focuses on elevating and energizing followers through a compelling vision and attention to individual development. Inspirational motivation involves communicating a clear, inspiring future and rallying the team around meaningful goals, while individualized consideration means coaching and supporting each member’s unique needs and strengths. This combination tends to boost motivation, cohesion, and performance because people feel a shared purpose, trust their leader, and receive growth opportunities, all of which foster stronger teamwork and higher effort.

The other approaches describe styles that often undermine these outcomes: autocratic micromanagement stifles autonomy and motivation; punitive discipline creates fear and compliance without genuine engagement; and passive indifference erodes trust and cohesion.