Transformational Leadership Traits Of Thomas Jefferson As A Visionary Leader

Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson was a founding father of our nation. In a time of turmoil and tyranny, Jefferson freed our country from the rule of British Parliament, expanded our boundaries, and unarguably laid the economic foundation for our country by opening trade in the west. Jefferson, a patriot was a Visionary Leader with the betterment of the country in mind when seeking an exploration west. He was an Ethical Leader when freeing the people from an oppressive monarchy, and laying the foundation for civil rights by attempting to end slavery. In this paper we will talk about how Jefferson dealt with diversity, and displayed traits of Transformational Leadership as a Visionary Leader. Additionally I will talk about how Jefferson used

After previous failed attempts is was important to gain buy-in on his vision. Jefferson demonstrated the use of Transformational Leadership by empowering congress and the people to commit to his vision. Transformational Leadership is defined as the ability to inspire followers to commit to a shared vision and goals (SNCOA, 2016). Using this behavior, he was able to gain the buy-in and obtain funding for the expedition from congress. He also demonstrated the use of Inspirational Motivation when sharing his vision when choosing his expedition leads Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. He used this behavior to articulate his plan and seed his vision as the future of the country. Inspirational Motivation is defined as a behavior to motivate and inspire their followers via the spoken word. As a leader was able to motivate Lewis and Clark to travel into uncharted territory by painting the picture of a “must achieve future” (FRL, 2016), providing specific training with experts in map making and survey, botany, medicine, anatomy and fossils, and allowing them the freedom to choose their forty-five man team. Despite the criticism, the 28 month expedition was a success, losing only one man early due to illness and lead to an open trade route from Mississippi River to the North West territory (Monticello.org,

According to Webster’s Dictionary, ethical is defined as guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong. Through his use of critical thinking and ethical leadership not only did he gain the freedom of a nation but also laid the foundation of civil rights. “Jefferson was one of the most influential men in American history (Meacham, 2012). In a time where the slightest word or statement against the King would have resulted in your immediate death caused a fear amongst society. Jefferson’s conviction to the people prevented him from conforming to the normality of society. He was a free, independent thinker. According to the Critical Thinking lesson in the ALE Student Guide, Free Thinking is defined as restraining your desire to believe because of social pressures to conform. Jefferson felt that a government needed the consent of the people, not the rule of an oppressive monarchy. He displayed great moral courage in defending his beliefs and the independence of the people. Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence to inform the British Monarchy that the 13 colonies will no longer be under its rule. And due to his determination and free thinking, the declaration of independence severed the political ties with the British Monarchy and we were declared an independent free