Transformational leadership in public health - Assessing competencies in different global working contexts

Would you like to be an architect of change?

Take the opportunity to develop your skills as a transformational leader. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, effective leadership must be adaptable and open to change. One approach that stands out is transformational leadership.

But what makes transformational leaders different?

They provide a sense of purpose beyond immediate goals and focus on fundamental, long-term needs. Transformational leadership is about fostering relationships centered on a shared vision that inspires and motivates others to achieve their full potential.

Existing public health competency frameworks include leadership, but typically do not include the cultivation of specific transformational leadership competencies, especially in diverse contexts. To address this gap, we conducted a Delphi Study with public health experts from 30 countries, identifying and refining ten core competencies for transformational leadership in public health, each with specific behavioral descriptions.

This framework represents the first set of transformational leadership competencies specifically for public health. It emphasizes the importance of context in leadership development, offering a dynamic and integrated approach to cultivating transformational leaders.

The aim of the following study, comprising this online survey and consequent interviews, is to assess the perceived relevance and application of transformational leadership competencies in different global public health work contexts among public health experts who graduated with a PhD.

This survey will describe PhD graduates' current jobs, assess key competencies in different work environments, and explore how PhD training has developed leadership skills. The results will be used to develop an online competency assessment tool.

It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Please complete the survey by April 15th 2025.

Your participation is highly appreciated. 

Personal characteristics

Gender identity



PhD experience

At which university (or universities for dual degrees) did you complete your PhD? (sorted by continent, country and university)



Which PhD program did you join during your PhD? [Name of PhD program or Graduate School]



Funding of PhD studies: how did you fund the PhD tuition fees and the costs of living during your PhD?



PhD experience

-

-

What did you do between MSc graduation and start of PhD studies?


-

PhD Experience

Did you attend any leadership training courses or leadership coaching during your PhD studies? 
(Explanation leadership training course: Any course or curriculum intervention with 'leadership' in the title, whereas, leadership coaching: Any form of personalized guidance to help navigate academic challenges, enhance research skills, and achieve educational as well as professional goals.)

If yes...



If yes, please state how many hours in total including self-study time and organized course work you spent on leadership training (courses/seminars, lectures and coaching)? [Multiple answers possible]   



PhD Experience

Did you attend any leadership training courses or professional leadership coaching after your PhD studies? 
(Explanation - leadership training course: Any course or curriculum intervention with 'leadership' in the title or description, whereas, leadership coaching: Any form of personalized guidance to help navigate academic challenges, enhance research skills, and achieve educational as well as professional goals.)

If yes... [Multiple answers possible]



If yes, please state how many hours in total including self-study time and organized course work you spent on leadership training (courses/seminars, lectures and coaching)? [Multiple answers possible]  



Mobility, career and current working situation and position

Please indicate the country... 





Mobility, career and current working situation and position

Please indicate... 



Mobility, career and current working situation and position

Which of the following aspects did influence your mobility decision after your PhD? [Multiple answers possible] (Source: Eidgenossenschaft, S. (2018). Stipendien, die das Leben verändern - Online Befragung von ESKAS Bundesstipendiat/innen der Jahrgänge 1996–2015. Bern. & Source: Auriol, L., et al. (2012)



Mobility, career and current working situation and position

What type of organization would best describe the organization you work for today?


Mobility, career and current working situation and position

What are your main areas / topics in which you are currently working? (maximum of 3 choices)   



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of individual competencies within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 1: “Adapting according to the needs of the eco-system”    

_ 

In your perception, how relevant is each of the following behaviors to your work? 

I can initiate change processes in a competent manner and guided by principles.

Not at all

Extremely



I assess the changing nature of global health, the main factors that influence it, and the availability of resources.

Not at all

Extremely



I approach challenges with flexibility, a strong understanding of processes, and alignment between new information, observations, and past experiences.

Not at all

Extremely



I give others the chance to devise new approaches and take the initiative.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of individual competencies within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 1: “Adapting according to the needs of the eco-system”    

_ 

In your perception, to what extent has your PhD training as a whole contributed to the development of the following behaviors?  

I can initiate change processes in a competent manner and guided by principles.

Not at all

Extremely



I assess the changing nature of global health, the main factors that influence it, and the availability of resources.

Not at all

Extremely



I approach challenges with flexibility, a strong understanding of processes, and alignment between new information, observations, and past experiences.

Not at all

Extremely



I give others the chance to devise new approaches and take the initiative.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of individual competencies within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 2: “Inspires others to commit to common goals” 

_ 

In your perception, how relevant is each of the following behaviors to your work?  

I analyze current public health issues and their determinants, considering political, environmental, and economic dynamics to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Not at all

Extremely



I establish a clear vision of project goals and desired outcomes before initiating any work.

Not at all

Extremely



I ensure that the team understands our goals as a collective.

Not at all

Extremely



I foresee shifts in the global landscape, identifying changes in partnerships and sectors, and assess their impact on our goals to ensure adaptability.

Not at all

Extremely



I foster consensus within teams and external partners, aligning shared aspirations and benefits.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of individual competencies within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 2: “Inspires others to commit to common goals” 

_ 

In your perception, to what extent has your PhD training as a whole contributed to the development of the following behaviors?  

I analyze current public health issues and their determinants, considering political, environmental, and economic dynamics to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Not at all

Extremely



I establish a clear vision of project goals and desired outcomes before initiating any work.

Not at all

Extremely



I ensure that the team understands our goals as a collective.

Not at all

Extremely



I foresee shifts in the global landscape, identifying changes in partnerships and sectors, and assess their impact on our goals to ensure adaptability.

Not at all

Extremely



I foster consensus within teams and external partners, aligning shared aspirations and benefits.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of individual competencies within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 3: “Empowers others to fully capture and build upon their competencies and wisdom” 

_ 

In your perception, how relevant is each of the following behaviors to your work?  

I ensure professional development opportunities are available to members of my organization (e.g. training, mentoring, peer advising, coaching).

Not at all

Extremely



I support collaborators in expanding their professional skills according to their individual strengths.

Not at all

Extremely



I create a safe environment that fosters a respectful work culture.

Not at all

Extremely



I seek collaborators’ opinions and ideas to enhance teamwork.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of individual competencies within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 3: “Empowers others to fully capture and build upon their competencies and wisdom” 

_ 

In your perception, to what extent has your PhD training as a whole contributed to the development of the following behaviors?  

I ensure professional development opportunities are available to members of my organization (e.g. training, mentoring, peer advising, coaching).

Not at all

Extremely



I support collaborators in expanding their professional skills according to their individual strengths.

Not at all

Extremely



I create a safe environment that fosters a respectful work culture.

Not at all

Extremely



I seek collaborators’ opinions and ideas to enhance teamwork.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of individual competencies within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 4: “Practices participatory and inclusive leadership” 

_ 

In your perception, how relevant is each of the following behaviors to your work?  

I enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to co-create projects from inception to evaluation.

Not at all

Extremely



I cultivate a sense of community by recognizing shared values, celebrating achievements, and bridging diverse perspectives.

Not at all

Extremely



I empower collaborators to refine our practices while fostering accountability through shared decision-making.

Not at all

Extremely



I strive to ensure that the structure of my team and our activities reflect the composition and needs of the communities we aim to serve.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of individual competencies within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 4: “Practices participatory and inclusive leadership” 

_ 

In your perception, to what extent has your PhD training as a whole contributed to the development of the following behaviors?  

I enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to co-create projects from inception to evaluation.

Not at all

Extremely



I cultivate a sense of community by recognizing shared values, celebrating achievements, and bridging diverse perspectives.

Not at all

Extremely



I empower collaborators to refine our practices while fostering accountability through shared decision-making.

Not at all

Extremely



I strive to ensure that the structure of my team and our activities reflect the composition and needs of the communities we aim to serve.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the competency below within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 5: “Creates synergies and fosters a collaborative environment” 

_ 

In your perception, how relevant is each of the following behaviors to your work?  

I cultivate emotional intelligence by valuing individual perspectives and cultural norms.

Not at all

Extremely



I promote open communication to support the resolution of conflicts.

Not at all

Extremely



I foster diversity and inclusion by valuing individuality, building common ground, and creating culturally sensitive teams.

Not at all

Extremely



I foster synergy by promoting shared values, integrating diverse strengths, and leading collaborative initiatives.

Not at all

Extremely



I strengthen stakeholder engagement in addressing global issues through interdisciplinary workshops and knowledge exchange.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the competency below within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 5: “Creates synergies and fosters a collaborative environment” 

_ 

In your perception, to what extent has your PhD training as a whole contributed to the development of the following behaviors?  

I cultivate emotional intelligence by valuing individual perspectives and cultural norms.

Not at all

Extremely



I promote open communication and facilitate the resolution of conflicts.

Not at all

Extremely



I foster diversity and inclusion by valuing individuality, building common ground, and creating culturally sensitive teams.

Not at all

Extremely



I foster synergy by promoting shared values, integrating diverse strengths, and leading collaborative initiatives.

Not at all

Extremely



I strengthen stakeholder engagement in addressing global issues through interdisciplinary workshops and knowledge exchange.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the competency below within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 6: “Proactively manages partnerships with diverse actors” 

_ 

In your perception, how relevant is each of the following behaviors to your work?  

I research and listen to each partner’s interests.

Not at all

Extremely



I engage partners in every step of the process, first in informal settings to build trust and camaraderie, and then in formal settings.

Not at all

Extremely



I provide guidance and feedback on collaborators' ideas, concerns, or challenges.

Not at all

Extremely



I try to communicate complex issues clearly and credibly to widely varied audiences.

Not at all

Extremely



I establish agreements that advance cross-sectoral, international initiatives to address inequities, implement interventions, and ensure transparency in partnerships.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the competency below within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 6: “Proactively manages partnerships with diverse actors” 

_ 

In your perception, to what extent has your PhD training as a whole contributed to the development of the following behaviors?  

I research and listen to each partner’s interests.

Not at all

Extremely



I engage partners in every step of the process, first in informal settings to build trust and camaraderie, and then in formal settings.

Not at all

Extremely



I provide guidance and feedback on collaborators' ideas, concerns, or challenges.

Not at all

Extremely



I try to communicate complex issues clearly and credibly to widely varied audiences.

Not at all

Extremely



I establish agreements that advance cross-sectoral, international initiatives to address inequities, implement interventions, and ensure transparency in partnerships.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the competency below within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 7: “Personifies optimism to build resilience and perseverance in challenging times” 

_ 

In your perception, how relevant is each of the following behaviors to your work?  

I embrace life’s uncertainties, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth with a solution-oriented mindset.

Not at all

Extremely



I am aware of my and others’ emotions, and I cope with negative emotions and impulses.

Not at all

Extremely



I am appreciative when others question or challenge my approach remaining objective in negotiations.

Not at all

Extremely



I feel competent to assess my team’s behavior in different contexts and situations.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the competency below within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 7: “Personifies optimism to build resilience and perseverance in challenging times” 

_ 

In your perception, to what extent has your PhD training as a whole contributed to the development of the following behaviors?  

I embrace life’s uncertainties, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth with a solution-oriented mindset.

Not at all

Extremely



I am aware of my and others’ emotions, and I cope with negative emotions and impulses.

Not at all

Extremely



I am appreciative when others question or challenge my approach remaining objective in negotiations.

Not at all

Extremely



I feel competent to assess my team’s behavior in different contexts and situations.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the following competency within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 8: “Acts with integrity” 

_ 

In your perception, how relevant are each of the following behaviors to your work?  

I adhere to scientific standards and respect research integrity.

Not at all

Extremely



I clarify the values guiding my decisions and actions.

Not at all

Extremely



I provide constructive feedback tailored to each individual.

Not at all

Extremely



I reflect on how my beliefs and values shape my decisions.

Not at all

Extremely



I incorporate cultural sensitivity and ethical principles in my interactions.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the following competency within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 8: “Acts with integrity” 

_ 

In your perception, to what extent has your PhD training as a whole contributed to the development of the following behaviors?  

I adhere to scientific standards and respect research integrity.

Not at all

Extremely



I clarify the values guiding my decisions and actions.

Not at all

Extremely



I provide constructive feedback tailored to each individual.

Not at all

Extremely



I reflect on how my beliefs and values shape my decisions.

Not at all

Extremely



I incorporate cultural sensitivity and ethical principles in my interactions.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the following competency within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 9: Operates effectively within and across complex and multifaceted systems 

_ 

In your perception, how relevant is each of the following behaviors to your work?  

I lead change efforts at all levels, inspiring others to embrace innovation and recognizing the benefits of approaching challenges differently.

Not at all

Extremely



I balance strategic thinking with attention to detail, breaking down large problems into manageable tasks to address both patterns and specifics.

Not at all

Extremely



I foster innovation by embracing challenges, refreshing perspectives, and identifying opportunities for systemic solutions.

Not at all

Extremely



I promote global responsibility by linking local actions to global impacts and encouraging collaborators to integrate these perspectives in decision-making.

Not at all

Extremely



I apply diverse analysis methods to draw conclusions, encouraging others to integrate seemingly unrelated ideas to develop holistic solutions.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the following competency within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 9: Operates effectively within and across complex and multifaceted systems 

_ 

In your perception, to what extent has your PhD training as a whole contributed to the development of the following behaviors?  

I lead change efforts at all levels, inspiring others to embrace innovation and recognizing the benefits of approaching challenges differently.

Not at all

Extremely



I balance strategic thinking with attention to detail, breaking down large problems into manageable tasks to address both patterns and specifics.

Not at all

Extremely



I foster innovation by embracing challenges, refreshing perspectives, and identifying opportunities for systemic solutions.

Not at all

Extremely



I promote global responsibility by linking local actions to global impacts and encouraging collaborators to integrate these perspectives in decision-making.

Not at all

Extremely



I apply diverse analysis methods to draw conclusions, encouraging others to integrate seemingly unrelated ideas to develop holistic solutions.

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the following competency within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 10: Pursues strategic approaches for value-based, innovative solutions 

_ 

In your perception, how relevant is each of the following behaviors to your work?  

I stay up to date with and remain sensitive to changing external trends. 

Not at all

Extremely



I actively engage my collaborators or colleagues in discussions and adherence to agreed-upon values and standards. 

Not at all

Extremely



I devise contingency plans for potential global challenges. 

Not at all

Extremely



I assess and balance the risks, benefits, and unforeseen consequences of our work.

Not at all

Extremely



I use shared, transparent criteria to direct strategic organizational decision-making and planning. 

Not at all

Extremely



Transformational leadership competencies

Please rate the relevance of the following competency within your current work situation and the influence of your PhD training on the development of competencies. [7 point Likert scale: 1 (Not at all) – 7 (Extremely)] 

_ 

Competency 10: Pursues strategic approaches for value-based, innovative solutions 

_ 

In your perception, to what extent has your PhD training as a whole contributed to the development of the following behaviors?  

I stay up to date with and remain sensitive to changing external trends. 

Not at all

Extremely



I actively engage my collaborators or colleagues in discussions and adherence to agreed-upon values and standards. 

Not at all

Extremely



I devise contingency plans for potential global challenges. 

Not at all

Extremely



I assess and balance the risks, benefits, and unforeseen consequences of our work.

Not at all

Extremely



I use shared, transparent criteria to direct strategic organizational decision-making and planning. 

Not at all

Extremely



Thank you for participating in this survey

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