The Importance of Leadership

The Importance of Leadership It is the belief of umteen that leadinghip is the vehicle or direction to both commanding and negative change. In fact, leadinghip often determines the victory and/or failure of any organization, whether it be in argumentation, education, religion, government organizations, and society in general.Clear order of this is seen in the recent-American Airlines woes, the closing of roily schools across the nation, the public-scandal surrounding Enron Corporation, the positive impact of the Christian community by renowned-evangelist Billy Graham, the devastating- financial crisis of 2008, the re-election of President Barack Obama, and others. With this perspective firmly in mind, and in scene of the case study surrounding Sir Richard Branson and his leaders vogue, this paper seeks to discuss the lead models conferressed in chapters 10 and 11.It volition also propose a different leadership modal value that would enhance Bransons leadership prowes s. Further, it will talk about a few strategies that Branson can employ to stimulate and lead a global team running(a) on a major project. Lastly, it will discuss some of Bransons leadership qualities and their in the flesh(predicate) and coetaneous applications. Bransons Leadership Style Illustrated in Chapters 10 and 11 Models Based on the substantial amount of evidence presented in the text, Branson has be himself to be an effective leader because of his vision, operating philosophy, charisma or good-hearted influence, and financial success.Much of Mr. Bransons influence and success has been attri notwithstandinged to his direct- bank line liaison. in that respectfore, as illustrated in chapters 10 and 11, Sir Richard Bransons leadership style is participative. To give emphasis on such(prenominal) revelation, Richard Branson is the Chairman of Virgin Group Limited (Ltd). He operates multinational entities that involve air travel, financial services, and retail stores. A lso, scores of sight work for him. except regardless of the scope of Mr.Bransons responsibility and work demands he allocates a great deal of time time to be personally baffling with the day-to-day operations of the organization. muchover, he actively listens to the concerns of his supply and customers in graze to generate feedback and capture new ideas. To add to this, Bransons personal intimacy and participating leadership style has also reflected in his air onslaught and priority. For example, employees and customers ar an integral part of his business culture.For this reason, employees be ranked first, customers second, and shareholders stopping point (p. 344). The rationale behind such approach is thisif employees are recognized and see appreciated, the level of customer satisfaction becomes high, and on that pointfore return on enthronisation (RO1) is realized or positive. In addition to Bransons personal involvement and participating leadership style, he surrou nds himself with a diverse group of people so as to reflect the companys core beliefs, values, and want outcomes.To add credence to this idea, in his book entitled, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, (Maxwell, 1998, p. 110) re bumbleked each leaders potential is determined by people imminent to him. In other words, leaders can make a fundamental difference when they associate themselves with competent people, as in the case of Richard Branson. More emphasis on this point will be discussed later on. other leadership style that reflects Richard Branson is transformational leadership.According to the text, transformational leadership involves anticipating future trends, inspiring followers to commiserate and embrace a new vision of possibilities, developing others to be leaders or better leaders, and building the organization or group into a community of challenged and rewarded learners (Hellriegel & Slocum Jr, 2011, p. 329). The above perspective certainly captures and enca psulates Bransons leadership stylebecause he persuades many an(prenominal) to buy into his inspiring messages. As a result, many have become committed and in this manner are world rewarded.Also, Branson impacts the business community and a large scale. Further, he develops future leaders and entrepreneurs. Developing future leaders and entrepreneurs is essential and it at the core of transformational leadership. An appreciation of such truth has been noted by the authors (Anthony, M. J. , & Estep Jr. , J. 2005, p. 298), Leaders are at their very best when they are raising leaders some them. In addition to Bransons transformational leadership style, his business approach is revolutionary.Undeniable evidence of this is seen in the amount and variety of businesses he operates as well as the companys impressive-annual net sales$20 trillion (p. 344). To add to this, Bransons hiring practice is also wrongful. That is, he generally hires people with fast communication and teamwork c ompetencies that mesh with the Virgin culture. such practice helps Branson to be a better leader, which in turn strengthens the organization and its bottom line. So in brief, Bransons leadership style in terms of leadership models as presented thus far is participative and transformational.Suggestive Leadership Style to Enhance Bransons effectivity Even though Sir Richard Bransons leadership style is participative and transformational, his approach and deportment on a few instances is paradoxical. To illustrate, Virgin Group experienced big losses ($20 million) in a couple of business venturesbecause Branson disregard prudent counsel from his top management advice as well as other critical-business measures. It is the opinion of many that transformational leaders have a endeavor to be arrogant and even ignored vital signals around them ascribable to their intellectual inspiration and unchallenged purposes.Such beahvior sometimes produced negative results. An example of this is seen in the horrific genocides or atrocities of the former-dictator Adolf Hitler. Therefore, by way of suggestion, Branson ought to add facilitate leadership style to his leadership competency. An insight on facilitate leadership style has been provided by the text The leader presents the problem to the team in a meeting, acts as a facilitator, defines the problem to be solved, and sets boundaries within which the decision essential be made (p. 308).This leadership style is certainly advantageous for Branson in a number of ways. For example, as chairman of large groups of companies, Branson must not have a stake in every decision. Simply because such beahvior is perceived to be controlling, and the end results can be detrimental or costly as presented in the above example. In light of this, staff members must be empowered and heavily involved in the decision-making attend of the organization. As a result, the flow of effective communication would improve, employee productivity would elevate, and the financial health of the organization.Strategies Branson can Employ to Develop and Lead Major fancy In nowadayss ever-changing environment, there is no denying that Sir Richard Branson is a risk taker and he is not afraid of failure. Moreover, his track record and business credentials qualify him to supervise any major projects. So by determining how Branson would develop and lead a global team working(a) on a major project, the following strategic steps ought be employed or activated (1) choose a research committal or advisory team and oversee it. 2) Empower committee or advisory team to select a diverse group of individuals so as to generate pertinent and creative ideas and thus improve the project. (3) respect or calculate risk factors and outcomes surrounding the project. (4) Adhere to sound business and management principles. (5) Have an open mindset especially to internal and orthogonal change or resistance. (6) Invest a large sum of capital on the continued development and research of the project and provide monetary and motivational rewards for research team. 7) Maintain good-internal communication and public relations. (8) Establish effective-feedback mechanisms so as to receive progress reports, and make change/s if necessary. exact adherence and execution to the aforementioned steps will most plausibly enable Branson to develop and lead a global team working on a major project. Bransons leadership qualities and their personal and contemporary applications Within the business world, Sir Richard Branson has definitely experienced much financial success and setbacks. A commentary on this point has been noted by (Scott, 2010, p. 5), Theres another side to Bransonthe relentless work ethic, the failed companies, and tough times, but people generally dont want to hear it. Such experienced has helped to strengthen Virgin Group Ltd. and set Richard Branson apart in a profound way, and even add to his leadership qualifies. Addi tionally, Bransons frightful business approach and entrepreneur competencies also complement his leadership qualities. Therefore, draw on Bransons leadership qualities, the writer would seek to emulate his unconventional business approach and strong work ethic, especially in todays business environment and practices.In so doing, the writers biography would be personally and professionally enriched, and thereby making a positive contribution to society in general. By further drawing on Bransons leadership qualities, social responsibility would be imitated by the writer. In support of this, Branson pledged as much as $3 billion during the next 10 years (through 2017) to tackle global warning (p. 344). existence socially responsible is commendable and even beneficial. To illustrate, it can attract investors, force business growth, and help the physical environment.To further mimic Bransons leadership qualities, the writer would draw on his visionary approach so as positively impac t humankind on a whole. It has been well said, Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 2918 King pile Version). Other leadership qualities that are worth emulating from Branson are being an attentive listener, creating an informal environment to address and resolve problems. These qualities are so take in todays society, considering that people are often ignored, afflicted, and exploited.As turbulently argued throughout this paper, leadership is essential because it can make or mar the direction or success of any organization. More than ever, participative and transformational leadership qualities are needed. Such leadership attributes have aided Sir Richard Branson to develop unique business concepts and establish hundreds of business entities across the globe. In actual fact, they have helped him to put one across much financial success. As a result, he has and continues to influence many individuals of all ways of life and spearheads many undertakings.Reference s Anthony, M. J. , & Estep Jr. , J. (2005). Management Essentials for Christian Ministries. Nashville, Tennessee Broadman & Holman Publishers. Hellriegel, D. , & Slocum Jr, J. W. (2011). Organizational Behavior (13 ed. ). Mason, OH South-Western Cengage Learning. Maxwell, J. C. (September 18, 1998). The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Nashville, Tennessee, USA Thomas Nelson Publishers Scott, P. (2010). The soundness of Branson. Herald Sun (Melbourne), (), 85. Retrieved on November 26, 2012, from http//www. ebscohost. com