individuals that is life altering. This
type of leadership is oriented toward "emotions, values, ethics, standard, and long-term goals" (Pennsylvania State University World Campus, 2013). Followers often accomplish more than what is expected under the guidance of these leaders because they "are passionate, driven individuals who are able to paint a compelling vision of the future" (Pennsylvania State University World Campus, 2013).
Malala Yousafzai (mah-LAH'-lah YOO'-suhf-zeye) truly embodies the
transformational leader.
Malala is a 16 year old Pakistani teen who at the age
of 14 was shot in the head at point blank range while on her way home from school by the Taliban for advocating the education of girls (Ahmad, 2012). It was this senseless act of violence that caused much pain, grief and outrage around the world. How was it that this child posed such a threat that there were those who wanted her dead? It was because she defied those who wanted to take from her what she cherished most an education. Recently in an interview with Diane Sawyer Malala explained, "In some parts of the world, students are going to school every day.
It's their normal life, but in other part of the world, we are starving for education... it's like a precious gift. It's like a diamond" (Whitcraft &
Pearson, 2013).
At 11 years old Malala started a blog where she shared
details of school bombings, females being disfigured with acid and/or flogged in public and dead bodies being left in the streets of her town all in an effort by militants to discourage the education of girls. By speaking out and letting the world know what was going on in her part of the world this young girl was also speaking out for other girls, over 30 million, around the world who are denied the right to education (Whitcraft idealized
influence (Pennsylvania State University World Campus, 2013).
As she lay suffering from a gunshot wound that left
her life hanging in the balance it was this conviction and bravery that rallied support for this young girl from individuals of every hue, class, age, religion and gender throughout the many nations of the world. Unbeknownst to Malala, at the time, it was this crisis that launched her into the role of transformational leader. Crises are a situational characteristic that "may set the stage for transformational leaders to be effective" (Pennsylvania State University World Campus, 2013).
The World News article affirmed "The shot heard round
the world has given birth to a movement of change -- a movement to educate girls" (Whitcraft & Pearson, 2013"). Malala is the leader heading that change and who better equipped to do so.
Works cited
Ahmad, J. (2012, October 10). Pakistani doctors remove bullet from girl shot by Taliban. "Reuters". Retrieved
from http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/10/us-pakistan-schoolgirl-idUSBRE89909120121010
Baker, A. (2013, October 9). Malala Marches Toward the Nobel Peace Prize". Time World". Retrieved from http://world.time.com/2013/10/09/malala-marches-on-toward-the-nobel-peace-prize/
Pennsylvania State University World Campus. (2013). PSYCH 485:
Leadership in Work Settings. Lesson 10: Transformational Leadership. Retrieved from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/fa13/psych485/002/content/10 lesson/01 page.html
Whitcraft, T. & Pearson, M. (2013, October 6). "Malala Yousafzai: 'Death Did Not Want to Kill Me'". Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/International/malala-yousafzai-death-kill/story?id=20489800
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