| This research investigated the characteristics of the female transformational leader. Six female leaders in the United States were interviewed and their perceptions were gathered regarding the barriers they had to overcome, the role of their family of origin and family of creation played in their development as a transformational leaders, and the importance of role models and mentors to their career path. This study asked these six female leaders for their advice for future female leaders who are aspiring to become leaders.; The data indicated that transformational leadership characteristics were not unique to the female fender. The most important leadership characteristics of the transformational leader are having self-confidence, being a visionary, having the ability to inspire followers, being mission focused, being a team builder, value and grow followers, having the ability to identify leadership potential in followers, and having the ability and willingness to listen, hear and accept the input of followers.; The barrier that was most often faced by these female leaders was being viewed differently than male leaders. Women are viewed as the primary caretakers of the family unit. It is this expectation that has led to a shortage of female leader role models and fewer leadership opportunities. This barrier has been overcome through the strategy of persistence and the female leader holding true to their values and principles. Critical to the success of overcoming barriers was the role that mentors and positive role models played in the development of these female leaders. |
