A thorough study of the existing leadership tools is carried out and a detailed gap analysis is derived. The results advocated a potential need for a self-assessment tool to measure and identify the gaps in the transformational leadership journey.

The Self-assessment tool has its initial inputs based on the literature review which primarily explains on the key characteristics and traits of transformational leadership and manufacturing industry challenges. Both these data are culminated along with the inputs from gap analysis of existing tools to develop the initial version of the self-assessment tool. It’s an Excel-based tool that is further fine-tuned by carrying out multiple brainstorming and interview sessions with manufacturing industry leaders. The design science research method is followed by taking feedback and improving the tool on multiple iterations.

The tool defines a clear definition of each trait of transformational leadership and defines 3 levels as a measurement (level1, level2, level3 in a progressive way). These level definitions are provided in the tool to remove any bias while measuring. This tool helps leaders to evaluate their current levels, set target levels and identify gaps. Visualization of overall levels is also provided using spider graphs.