Richard Branson Shoots for the Moon

RICHARD BRANSON SHOOTS FOR THE MOON

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

Branson is a leader. He does not really manage people or the businesses as much as encourage others to pursue their own dreams. According to the article he has no corporate office and no staff, so there are not any people to directly manage. He leads by example and by encouragement. This type of leadership is not in any way authoritarian, yet it is also not charismatic. The ability to inspire others to reach their goals and their potential is unquestionably his greatest gift as a person and as a leader. His innate ability to choose and support potential new business leaders and businesses is also another quality that shows he is a leader and not just a manager. He participates in many different types of activities, all challenges for himself, which in turn inspire others to take risks and reach for things they might think they cannot attain.

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

Branson is more of a cheerleader. He develops his followers and then allows them to take their ideas and soar with them. He keeps his businesses singular in many respects, allowing the leaders and managers to make decisions and guide the companies. He encourages new ideas and is willing to listen and guide them to fruition. He uses his vast network and assets to empower people to go out and do what they want, to achieve their goals. His bond with them is his faith in them and in their plans and ideas. He also admits to relying on his staff for ideas. He does not create them, he allows his people and followers to create them and then he empowers them and funds them to make them happen.

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

Leaders have to...