Transformational leadership i.e. leadership that truly brings out the best in people in a sustainable way requires presence, or rather being present. We need to be involved and connected.
On the other hand…
Transactional leadership that seeks to manage performance just through governance of one kind and another can be conducted in a distant, aloof manner.
In fact…
Distance and aloofness more or less guarantees that the management style can only be transactional because there is no opportunity for a community of trust to develop, and so no opportunity for selfless behaviour to build. And so not much initiative is taken.
Seems obvious when you think about it.
If you want transformation and self-organisation, you might have to live the journey too. You might have to be present—not necessarily active, but definitely present.