Which of the following is a characteristic of transformational leadership?

Transformational leadership is fundamentally characterized by the ability to inspire and motivate followers to reach their highest potential and embrace change. This approach emphasizes the importance of vision, encouragement, and support, fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to develop their skills and contribute to collective goals. By encouraging and inspiring followers, transformational leaders create a culture of trust and commitment, which drives both personal and organizational growth.

In contrast, the other options reflect management styles or approaches that do not align with the principles of transformational leadership. Maintaining strict control over team members focuses on authority and compliance rather than empowerment. Focusing mainly on short-term goals tends to overlook the broader vision and longer-term growth that transformational leaders prioritize. Promoting competition among team members can undermine collaboration and trust, which are vital components of a transformational leadership approach. Thus, the emphasis on inspiration and potential aligns perfectly with the core tenets of transformational leadership.