Examining the Skills of Famous Business Leaders

Examining the Skills of Famous Business Leaders

Amazingly, these two leaders, Estee Lauder and Warren Buffett, are very much alike according to the Leader Profile Survey. On the surface, they are identical. They both utilize consultation, rational persuasion, and inspiration for their influence. In terms of the trait approach to leadership, both Estee Lauder and Warren Buffett exhibit honesty and competence. They are forward-looking, as well as inspiring. They are both intelligent, even though I found no mention of Estee Lauder having a college education, whereas Warren Buffett did. They both exhibited excellent self-management skills in that they were able to motivate themselves and achieve success before they were able to motivate others and take them along on the journey. In the social awareness trait is the one area I can see some differences. Warren Buffett is more of a philanthropist whereas Estee Lauder was more into how to help and improve her customer’s outlook on themselves and life. Estee won the Presidential Medal of Honor for her work, and Warren is still to this day giving away portions of his millions to charities. In relationship management, Estee Lauder was more in touch with her customers where Warren Buffet is not. His main company is a holding company. He has no product to sell.

In terms of behavioral approaches to leadership, both Estee Lauder and Warren Buffett display employee-centered behavior as outlined in the University of Michigan Model; and the similar consideration approach as outlined by the Ohio State Model. They are both very much team leaders as described in the leadership grid model.

I would not mind working for either of these great leaders. Working for Estee Lauder would mean always looking your best, putting your best face forward and selling, selling, selling. Working for Warren Buffet could at some point gain you stock in the company you are planted in. Taking into account that I really do not like selling, I would...