I have had a number of leaders in my life but only a few of
them had qualities of a transformational leader. According to Bass and Steidlmeier,”
Transformational leadership contains four components: charisma or idealized
influence (attributed or behavioral), inspirational motivation, intellectual
stimulation and individualized consideration (1999).” The leader which exhibited the qualities of a
transformational leader and left a lasting impression on my life is my belated
pastor, Bishop Dwight Parrett. Being of
sound moral character Bishop Parrett was like a father to me and many other
that were a part of his congregation. He
was very motivating and inspirational and somehow managed to give
individualized consideration to his members, making us all feel special in his
sight.
While away from home for the first time attending college I
would write my pastor to check in and keep him informed of my progress, my
challenges and successes. Not one letter
went unanswered! He would provide me
with scriptures that would uplift my spirits and once even sent me a care
package to nourish my sweet tooth! I was
very excited to receive the care package from my pastor along with a number of
letters from many of my church family members.
I would often brag about him to my friends as he motivated me to do my
best and inspired me to always do more and complete all task with a spirit of
excellence.
He would share stories about his childhood with the
congregation during his sermons that would inspire the young and the young at
heart to work harder, be better and give back.
Whenever we will have community service events my pastor would lead the
team and be the first to volunteer to help out.
While working on the renovation of an old Winn Dixie grocery store to
become our new church my pastor lead the men of the church throughout the
project. He not only talked the talk
but he walked the walk. It was easy to
identify with his charismatic nature and often times I would seek to emulate
his behavior and continence when facing an issue as followers like to emulate
transformational leaders (Bass & Steidlmier, 1999).
I was transformed by the Bishop Parrett’s leadership in
various ways and aspects of my life.
From the young age of twelve he challenged me to excel in school and extra-curricular
activities. In my teenage years he
instilled in me the importance of giving back and being prepared to answer the
call be going above and beyond the call.
In my young adult years he supported me and reminded me that my best is
good enough and to spread my wings and soar like an eagle. Bishop Parrett is no longer with me here physically,
as he transitioned into the afterlife thirteen years ago however, the effects
of his leadership has had a lasting effect on my life and I am a better person
and leader because of him.
Reference
Bass, B. and Steidlmeir, P. (1999). Ethics, character and authentic
transformational leadership behavior. Leadership Quarterly. 10(2), pg. 181-217
Retrieved from: https://erau.instructure.com/courses/60631/files/10825962/download?wrap=1.
Hello. Are there any sermon recordings of him. I was watching, an old sermon G E Patterson..and he was introduced at that time he was Evangelist Dwight Parrett. I would love to hear some of his preaching...perhaps read some of his writings. Thank you. Hazel Adele Harris.
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