© Copyright 2018 Marcia Kent Abstract This study explores the process of transformational thinking and the characteristic traits of transformational thought leaders. While there is a substantial amount of research on transformational leadership and creative problem solving, there is a gap in the literature explaining how leading thinkers develop and share ideas. Based on the data derived from interviews and utilizing the grounded theory analysis conventions, this paper presents a conceptual model that also includes an integrated framework for the process of transformational thinking that includes six interdependent steps: awareness, curiosity, passion with a purpose, ideation, perseverance, and pliability. Additionally, it highlights six characteristic traits that transformational thought leaders share. They are inquisitive, optimistic, values- driven, insightful, determined, and relational. Integrating research from related fields in positive psychology, creative thinking, and complex problem solving, this study offers a starting point for better understanding the process of transformational thinking and explores future implications for how leaders can create work environments that cultivate and foster creativity, innovation, and transformation. ii Dedication I grew up in a household where education, kindness, and generosity were guiding values. Education was emphasized largely because my parents, Leon and Hanka Kent, were both children survivors of the Holocaust. They lost almost everything— their homes, family members, friends, and any resemblance of a “normal” childhood. In spite of that, they never lost their love of learning or the power that comes from being able to choose your attitude. In my formative years, they would tell me that the only thing that cannot be taken away from a person was their knowledge and the freedom to choose their attitude. Perhaps that explains their reverence for learning, resilience, and their remarkable ability to embrace hope and an optimistic outlook. They practiced “Tikkun olam,” which is the Hebrew word that means to repair the world. Their acts of kindness and generosity were boundless. It was their way of restoring social justice, embracing the best of humanity, and making the world better. This study, which is on the characteristics of transformational thinkers and the framework they follow to create transformational outcomes, is a way to honor them and the values they stood for. They showed me through their actions and their love that it is possible to create something extraordinarily beautiful even when burdened with unbearable restraints. They demonstrated the merit of discipline, the perseverance required for pursuing worthwhile endeavors, and the value of believing in oneself. They lived by their values and pursued life affirming professions. My father became a neurosurgeon and my mother went into teaching. They never stopped iii learning and pursuing meaningful goals. They believed that learning cultivates tolerance and tolerance leads to acts of humanity, kindness, and a more just world. This work is dedicated to them and their fierce belief that anything is possible when we are willing to have the courage to open our minds and our hearts. I would like to extend a special note of heartfelt gratitude to my Dissertation Chair, Dr. James Gustafson, who made writing this dissertation such a rich and rewarding experience. His patience and willingness to be curious with me as I explored multiple topics was remarkable. I could not have had a better thought partner. Dr. Gustafson was always game to explore and entertain possibilities for research topics, and he did so with grace, enthusiasm, and encouragement. He had a magical way of gently moving me in the right direction. He provided just enough guidance and support to keep me moving forward. He gave me the room I needed to steer my own course and wholeheartedly embraced my desire to find “creative” ways to reach the final destination. He made the journey meaningful, memorable, and enjoyable. I would like to extend my deep appreciation to my committee members, Dr. Brian Bishop and Dr. Marisa Carson. Dr. Bishop’s fervor was infectious and he approached every one of my requests for input with boundless enthusiasm. He shared valuable perspectives and pushed me to think more complexly about my chosen topic. He asked thought provoking questions which lead to clarity in my thinking and my writing. I am immensely grateful to Dr. Marisa Carson’s attention to detail and her iv ability to bring fresh insights into our discussions. Dr. Carson and Dr. Bishop challenged my thinking by inviting me to explore alternative perspectives, which was immensely helpful. Every revision of my dissertation had incremental improvements which were a direct outcome of their input and their commitment to helping me reach this milestone. They held me to standards worthy of a doctorate degree, and I deeply appreciate the investment of time, energy, and ideas that they generously shared. I want to thank the Benedictine University faculty and visiting scholars who make the program such a rich experience. They paved the road and opened the doors for professional practitioners like myself to enter the world of academia. Specifically, I would like to thank Dr. James Ludema, whose vision for the Center for Values- Driven Leadership created a unique and memorable learning experience. Dr. Ludema brought a global perspective to our work, infused it with humor and light heartedness, and encouraged us to stretch further in our studies. Dr. Michael Manning brought an awareness and appreciation to the science and rigor of discipline of research. Dr. Marie Di Virgilio encouraged and helped us to develop standards of excellence in all of our work. Amber Johnson’s communication and organization skills are unparalleled. Her gifts and talents as a facilitator made all the executive roundtable events interesting, meaningful, and memorable. A special thank you to all the members of my cohort, who made this entire experience extraordinary, rewarding, and unforgettable. They enhanced the learning experience v by generously sharing their expertise and knowledge in every class discussion and infusing presentations with levity and humor. This journey was made more sweet and memorable because they were such an integral part of the experience. The members of my cohort started out as amazing student co-adventurers, were wise teachers, and, ultimately, became close friends. I want to acknowledge and thank two dear friends, Lisa Caplan and Lori Bachman, who supported me every step of the way through this program. They were by my side when I first entertained the thought of pursuing a doctoral degree. They cheered me on with every paper written and class completed. They reminded me of the worthiness of this endeavor when I had a hard time seeing it through the stacks of books and journal articles. They supported me through all the logistics and stressors of getting out to Chicago once a month over a two-year period and were there at the finish line to celebrate. They were my lighthouses that kept the light shining. Most of all, I want to thank my son, Jackson, along with the two members of my family that have four furry legs each, my dogs, Tanner and Tucker. They kept me company, went for walks when I needed a break, offered plenty of ways to get distracted, and provided nuzzles of encouragement when I needed it most. Jackson was the inspiration to pursue this degree. My hope for him is that when he is ready to enter the workforce, there will be far more values-driven leaders. There will be leaders and followers that appreciate the value and know the importance of creating vi work environments with cultures that promote flourishing at all levels. Engaging in this program gave me a chance to model for Jackson that it is never too late to embrace a life dream and pursue a meaningful goal. When I think about the parenting legacy I want to create for Jackson, I want to teach him to be curious and tenacious. I want him to dream big and have bold ambitions. I want him to be confident in his abilities, speak with conviction of the heart, and fiercely pursue his passions. If Jackson ever has a question about his ability to do something, I want him to trust the process and jump in with both feet. There is tremendous value being able to look back without regrets because we know we gave something our all and did not hold back. That is one of the best ways to find out what we are made of and get clarity on our values. I want to extend a huge heartfelt “thank you” to Jackson for supporting my desire to be a continual learner and giving me a unique opportunity to discover a little bit more about what I am made of! vii Table of Contents Dedication .................................................................................................................... iii Foreword ..................................................................................................................... xii Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 Transformational Ideas ................................................................................................. 1 The Experience of Transformational Thinking ............................................................. 1 The Transformational Thinkers .................................................................................... 2 The Qualifications of a Transformational Idea