ABSTRACT
In international business encounters, Swedish leadership can be perceived as odd because a masculine and hierarchical style is still the norm. This traditional style of leadership works well in times of war and crisis, but for areas characterized by complexity and collaboration, the Swedish leadership style can provide guidance towards performance. This chapter presents a case study of Swedish leadership and defines this approach as transformative leadership in which the manager's genuine interest for people is at heart. The soft leadership style in the Swedish leadership model can be either weak or strong. Soft leadership becomes weak when leaders are vague, avoidant, or purely rhetorical. Soft leadership is strong when it supports and motivates employees to perform their best. Transformative leadership begins with questions of justice and democracy and creates an inclusive and socially just learning environment. The chapter concludes with some hands-on advice for a person about to work as a leader in Sweden.
