Portrait of a transformational leader: the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the leadership of Dr Martin Luther King Jr in relation to four characteristics of transformational leadership Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws upon excerpts from archival sources of personal correspondence and statements by Dr Martin Luther King Jr stored at the King Center, Atlanta, Georgia. Findings – The research finds that Dr King personified the four characteristics of transformational leadership. It also illustrates King's leadership legacy through modern works on leadership. Originality/value – The analysis presented assists our understanding of the qualities of and the way we think about, transformational leaders. It emphasises the importance of building follower confidence; challenging taken‐for‐granted assumptions; developing follower needs and upholding high moral values.