QUESTION 7: Using relevant published theories, comment on Branson’s leadership style?
So What is leadership?
Leadership is the lifting of peoples’ vision to a higher sight, the rising of their performance to a higher standard, the building of their personality beyond its normal limitations. Leadership is the power of one individual to influence/ guide the actions of another.
There are three main types of leadership styles:
• Autocratic leadership
• Democratic leadership
• Laissez-Faire Leadership
Richard Branson, who is “recognised by 95% of UK’s consumers”, is well known for his leadership skills, he has never been afraid to take risks and believes that people are the foundation to his company’s success. He believes in his customers as “Virgin people” (virgin.com).
Richard Branson’s style of Leadership is a democratic one. He is a democratic leader can be described as someone:
1) who allows employees to take part in decision-making,
2) he is a leader is that is fully supportive and developmental,
3) he is a leader that retains responsibility and is accountable for results.
This type of leadership could be looked upon as in transformational:
? transformational leadership leaders inspire followers to transcend their own self-interests for the good of the organisation using charisma, presenting a vision, being a hero (referent power). In comparison to
? In transactional leadership leaders guide or motivate their followers (legitimate /reward power).
Richard truly feels that ...