Richard Branson

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

Perhaps it would be useful to think about the distinctions made by Bennis (1989) and others as a place to frame this discussion.  For example:

|Leaders |Managers |

|Innovate |Administer |

|Develop |Maintain |

|Inspire |Control |

|Long-term view |Short-term view |

|Ask what and why |Ask how and when |

|Originate |Imitate |

|Challenge the status quo |Accept the status quo |

Generally, it is quite evident that Branson exhibits qualities listed in the left-hand column of the table above—he is innovative, inspires, originates, and challenges the status quo (“Got a Big Idea?”).  However, it is important to note that the management functions cannot (and should not) be overlooked.  With respect to the team Branson assembles around him, it would be important to be sure that he has people around him to “balance” his vision and manage the day-to-day operations.  One final note, leadership and management are not mutually exclusive!

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

Branson appears to have a knack for sharing his vision and creating excitement in those who...