Which leadership style focuses on inspiring and transforming followers?

The leadership style that focuses on inspiring and transforming followers is transformational leadership. This approach emphasizes the importance of creating a vision that motivates and aligns followers' values with that vision. Transformational leaders work to elevate the morale and performance of their followers through encouragement, inspiration, and fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.

By engaging with followers on an emotional level, transformational leaders are able to instill a sense of purpose and commitment, guiding individuals towards achieving their own potential and the collective goals of the organization. This style often leads to positive changes in individuals and the organization as a whole, promoting growth and development.

In contrast, transactional leadership typically relies on structured tasks and rewards or punishments based on performance rather than inspiring change. Autocratic leadership concentrates power in a single leader and may not seek to develop followers’ capabilities or foster their motivation. Laissez-faire leadership takes a hands-off approach, allowing individuals to have autonomy without significant direction, which doesn't inherently inspire or transform followers.