Leadership research on transformational leadership has focused on the content and impact of
leaders. The emphasis has been on qualities and dispositions of leaders; how they influence
change in organizations and how they inspire followers to increase their performance,
motivation, and morale. The literature on leadership has been replete with the persona of
transformational leaders. However, it is equally important to recognize how these leaders became
who they are. With few exceptions, relatively less research has focused on the predictors of
leadership. It would be pertinent to examine whether life experience or a genetic predisposition
stimulates leadership. Is it incremental changes and day-to-day events that shape
transformational leaders? Could specific events or crises be the driving force for leadership
development? What is central to the life of a leader that makes him or her charismatic and
inspiring? This paper uses a developmental approach to explain transformational leadership.
Before examining the life experiences and changes that contribute to leadership development, it
is appropriate to present a framework that differentiates transformational leaders.