A subordinate description of the experience of working with a supervisor that is using transformational leadership: A qualitative study

Leadership in any organization will always have those individuals who have the ability to inspire and motivate versus those that do not. Leadership in any organization can signal its success or failure. The ability of supervisors in the alcohol and drug treatment profession is no different. The purpose of this project was to bring to the forefront a deeper understanding of how experienced supervisors using transformational leadership tenets can inspire and motivate their employees to perform beyond job expectations. It is expected that the collateral effects of this approach will significantly reduce turnover rates for counselors and continue to reinforce altruistic motivations that are often seen of professionals in this particular field. This study examined, within a transformational framework, the lived experiences of counselors as they interact with supervisors using a transformational leadership approach in a methadone clinic in the state of Kentucky. This qualitative study interviewed 8 to 14 volunteers and then employed a generic qualitative thematic inductive analysis. The data collected will then be able to assist industrial organizational psychologists and alcohol and drug treatment supervisors in creating organizational climates that will inspire and motivate subordinates to grow beyond their expectations.