Leadership in Virgin Essay Example

flexiability, ability to delegate and accept own weaknesses.

Branson as a Transformational Leader Key points of such a leader: i. Find the right people ii. Inspiring them iii. Drawing out the best things iv. Love learning v. Inquisitive mind vi. Life is a one learning process Main characteristics: i. Ability to connect with people ii. Innovative approach to the business iii. Likes challanges and will always disengage difficulties “Business has to give people enriching rewarding lives, or it is simply not worth doing” Richard Branson Stragety: • Listen to people, encourage and feedback • Integrate personal into other parts of the organisation

Core beliefs and values: • Helping people achieve things that they did not know they were capable of • Being a catalyst to the success of others • Constantly learning Values and beliefs: • Says he never listens to critics • He is a sponge for new ideas • Inspire people to think like entranpreneurs • You and everyone around you will makes mistakes Bransons skills: • Public relations genius, he understands what the media want and he gives it to them • He is likeable and knows when to disappear Branson places enormous value on time management. /3 of his time on trouble shooting, another 1/3 on new projects both chartiable and business and the final 1/3 on promoting and talking about the business. “Being someone who cares about people is important, you cant be a good leader unless you generally like the people. That is how to bring out the best in them” Richard Branson People don’t need to be told where they have slipped up or made a mess of something “they

will sort it out themselves” Key is to listen to any and all ideas and offer feedback. Employees often leave organisations because their ideas fall on deaf ears.

Interaction between employees and managers is fundamental. Transformation Leadership as seen in Virgin Transformation leadership enhances the motivation, morale and performance of employees through a variety of mechanisms. These include connecting to the employees sense of identity and self to the mission and the collective identity of the organisation. Being a role model for employees that inspires them challenging employees to take greater ownership for their work and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of employees so the leader can align followers with the tasks that optimize their performance.

Folowers of such a leader feel trust, admiration, loyality and respect for the leader and because of the qualities of the transformational leader, are willing to work harder than originally expected. These outcomes occurbecause the transformational leader offers employees something more than just working for self gain, they provide employees with an inspiring mission and vision to give them identity. The leader transforms and motivates employees through his/her idealized influence (charisma) intellectual stimulation and individual consideration.

In addition this leader encourages employees to come up with new and unique ways to challenge the status quo and to alter the envoirment to support being successful. Full range of leadership introduces four elements of Transformational Leadership. i. Individual Consideration The degree to which the leader attends to each employees needs. Acts as a mentor or coach to the employee and listens to the employees needs. Gives empathy and support. ii. Intellectual Stimulation

The degree to which the leader challenges assumptions, takes risks and solicits employees

ideas. Encourage and stimulate creativity in their employees. iii. Inspirational Motivation The degree to which the leader articulates a vision that is appealing and inspiring to employees. The employees are willing to invest more effort in their tasks, they are encouraged and optimistic about the future and believe in their abilities. iv. Idealized Influence Provides a role model for model for high ethical behaviour, instills pride and gains respect and trust.