Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd.

Case: Change Competency

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd

Introduction to Case:

Richard Branson has been a recognized name in the U.K. for the past 20 years, and is also famous in the business world. He is the founder of the Virgin Group, known for record labels, cellular phones, airlines, and many other business ventures. He is responsible for a $5 billion empire consisting of over 200 different companies around the world (ICFAI, 2002). Branson is also known for his unique character and leadership styles, one who is not afraid to take risks, and believes that people are the foundation to his company's success.

Branson's Leadership Style

If we were to first characterize his leadership style I would say he is definitely a democratic leader. He truly feels that getting other peoples input and listening to what people have to say are a core value to him. He carries a notebook in his pocket all the time just in case he hears something interesting from people that he interacts with on any level. Whether it be an employee, friend, business partner or complete stranger, for him he knows that good ideas can come from anywhere and anytime. Professional success is tightly coupled with the joy of working and developing their skills and talents. Successful entrepreneurs are usually flexible and open-minded; they can empathize with their clients and have empathy not only for their colleagues and employees, but also for customers and business partners. Successful business people try to solve problems and create inequities in the world (Financial Times, 1998).

The Democratic leader is one that prioritizes community participation allows the class to vote for the policy to follow and make different decisions based on what the group opinions. Has a duty to promote group discussion and thank the various views that are generated, when in the need to solve a problem, the leader offers several solutions, among which the community must decide what has to be the most appropriate. For example, "In a school the school principal is faced with various problems in which decisions need to see the possibility that this school continues to function as best possible, given this complexity appointment of all teachers and inspectors a meeting urgently and ask them to help you on ideas so make the best possible solution to solve the problem that affects them. Sir Richard is very thorough in hiring the right people. He is known for bringing in good managers and getting them to stay. If they don't perform at an existing assignment he brings them into another venture where the person is more likely to perform according to his capabilities (Cheng, Wong, 1996). ”Look for the best and you'll get the best”, is his words. Firing people is seldom an option to Sir Richard.

Different Leadership Style That Would Make Branson An Even More Effective Leader

The development of the municipalities is based largely on a democratic and participative leadership, focusing on principles of solidarity, respect for diversity and ...