This post is guided by the following interview covering Corporate Sufi Habit #2, where Azim relays the importance of leading to transform, not transact. Because in a world driven by rapid change and complexity, we need more than just quick fixes—we need alignment between the long-term vision and daily action to create long-lasting, legacy-building change.
Be sure to watch the interview!
Transactional vs. Transformational
The Corporate Sufi mindset emphasizes the importance for leaders to constantly evaluate transactional versus transformational strategies:
- Transactional strategies tend to focus on short-term solutions to immediate problems.
- Transformational strategies take a long-term view by aligning interim outcomes with long-term ambitions.
Any evaluation must consider the 3 P’s – Purpose, Process, and People, by asking:
- Is my pursuit grounded in an authentic intention for positive change?
- Is my process built for collective and comprehensive accomplishment?
- Is my plan considerate of the entire stakeholder group – internal and external?
Harvard sociologist Dr. Edward Banfield found that the single biggest predictor of success wasn’t background or talent, but having a long-term perspective. Those who consistently planned for the future by envisioning present problems as future solutions were far more likely to succeed.
Visionary vs. Transitory
Great leaders never settle for good enough. They aim to create WOW experiences—moments that surprise, uplift, and leave lasting impressions. Whether it’s a breakthrough conversation, a bold initiative, or a moment of deep empathy, these leaders leave people in a better state than they were before their interaction. They approach their day in a visionary way—focus on immediate needs of the present with a strategic emphasis on the future built in.
Reshma Saujani is an example of a transformational leader. Upon losing a New York State Congressional race in 2010, she didn’t retreat but rather redirected her purpose. In 2012, she founded Girls Who Code, a national nonprofit that teaches technology and engineering skills to middle and high school girls. Today, the organization has impacted nearly 600,000 girls through direct, in-person computer science education programming. In 2019, the philanthropic endeavor was awarded Most Innovative Non-Profit by Fast Company. But her vision went far beyond coding lessons. Saujani set out to rewrite the narrative of the tech labor force. She challenged gender stereotypes and sparked a nationwide movement to empower young women to view themselves as worthy creators, leaders, and changemakers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Her bestselling book, TED Talk, and ongoing initiatives have since inspired millions more.
Reshma’s true legacy is not just in the scale of her impact but in the shift in mindset she ignited. By encouraging girls to be visionary, bold, brave risk takers, she has planted the seeds for long-term transformation in the tech industry and beyond.
Transformational leaders don’t just move tasks forward for transitory achievement. They move people with an embedded purpose at the core of the process for generational change.
Inside-out Approach
William Arthur Ward wrote, “A mediocre teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior teacher demonstrates, whereas a great teacher inspires.” The same can seamlessly apply to transformational leaders, who don’t just direct or dictate but ignite purpose, principle, and possibility to inspire others to move from ordinary to extraordinary.
But you can’t inspire others if you aren’t inspired yourself. Inspiration is an inside-out journey. It requires symmetry, clarity, and a deep connection to your own values and vision. Transformational leadership has little to do with possessing external control. To be transformative requires the strength to continually harvest your internal convictions, which in turn drive your values, goals, and abilities.
Practical Tips
Use the following tips to shift your mindset from transactional to transformational:
- Build rapport and trust: Connection is the foundation of influence.
- Show care and concern: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
- Mentor and coach generously: Grow others as you grow with them.
- Slow down to speed up: Reflection leads to wiser, more aligned action.
- Be transparent and authentic: Vulnerability is strength, not weakness.
- Take ownership, create ownership: Empower others by trusting them with responsibility.
- Energize and engage: Infuse your team with purpose, not pressure.
- Macro-manage, don’t micromanage: Focus on the big picture and enable autonomy.
- Catch the right, not the wrong: Reprimand leads to lag, while recognition fuels confidence.
- Walk the talk: Integrity isn’t optional—it’s the core of leadership.
- Heighten your awareness: Tune in to others’ needs to ignite your impact.
- Turn a minus into a plus: Reframe challenges as opportunities.
- Make the journey the destination: Success isn’t just an outcome—it’s a way of being.
Your transformational mastery challenge – Drill, drill, drill until the above are as natural as breathing.
Lead to Transform, Not Just to Perform
In the end, leadership is not a position. It’s a commitment. A commitment to grow yourself and those around you. A commitment to build a brighter future, not just a better quarter. Transformational leadership is not a method. It’s a mindset. One that begins with purpose, lives through action, and creates a ripple effect that transforms teams, cultures, and lives.
Spark your transformational leadership skills today. Skills that are focused on creating substantial, long-lasting change. Watch Corporate Sufi Habit #2 – How to be Transformational, not Transactional. While you’re there check out our other videos. And don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay up to date on all new videos.