Hi Everybody

Minicase: “Richard Branson Shoots for the Moon”

1. Would you classify Richard Branson as a manager or a leader? What qualities distinguish him as one over the other?

I would classify Richard Branson as a leader. He holds no regular board meetings, has no business headquarters, and has no idea how to operate a computer. Moreover, Branson hires bright people, gives them a stake in his ventures so that they are motivated to be even more successful and then delegates.

We can see these qualities demonstrated in high profile business leaders as managers such as Richard Branson He has led their individual companies to become multimillion pound empires.

2. As mentioned earlier in this chapter, followers are part of the leadership process. Describe the relationship between Branson and his followers.

But, for Branson, the most important factor of good leadership is relating to other people. “If you’re good with people…and you really care, genuinely care about people then I’m sure we could find a job for you at Virgin,” he says. “The companies that look after their people are the companies that do really well. I’m sure we’d like a few other attributes, but that would be the most important one.”

Treating his employees as important team players is crucial to the success of Branson’s Virgin Empires, putting employees first, customers second, and shareholders third. “A company is people…employees want to know…am I being listened to or am I a cog in the wheel? People really need to feel wanted.”

3. Identify the myths of leadership development that Richard Branson’s success helps to disprove.

“Having a personality of caring about people is important,” says Branson. “You can’t be a good leader unless you generally like people. That is how you bring out the best in them.”

Branson is often criticized for his management style – or lack thereof. He holds no regular board meetings, has no business headquarters, and has no idea how to operate a computer. But, with his...