ABC Solutions recently secured a high$-$profile contract for a ground$-$breaking software project. The project carries immense significance for the company's reputation and financial success. However, as the deadline looms, the project leader, John, has become increasingly demanding and, at times, rude.

John's pressure tactics have started to take a toll on the project team. Employees are feeling stressed, demotivated, and even disrespected due to his abrasive communication style. The team's morale is plummeting, leading to concerns about the project's quality and the potential loss of valuable talent.

Required

Critically analyse the impact of leadership pressure on employee morale, teamwork and project outcomes, considering both short$-$term and long$-$term effects. Anchor your response in any emotional intelligence framework of your choice. Also, critically examine whether you would employ a transformational leadership style if you were in John$$s place.